While interacting with the media, Director Tourism Jammu Vivekanand Rai, said that the Annual Machail Mata Yatra shall commence from 25th July, 2023 and culminate on 5th September, 2023. He further elaborated that the necessary arrangements for the Yatra are being made by the District Administration Kishtwar and Directorate of Tourism Jammu has ensured that the right information reaches the Yatris through the medium of newspapers and other publicity mediu He also added that the Yatris can get the information through the Toll Free Number of Tourism Department 1800 890 8457 or the Helpline Number of District Administration Kishtwar +91-1995259555.
Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Mehta informed the media that the revered pilgrimage of Goddess Machail Mata is vigorously being promoted throughout India as this time we are expecting some more visitors from other states/UTs . She further added that the recent e-launching of the official website www.shrimachailmatayatra.com will further facilitate the convenience by providing a one stop solution to all the needs of the pilgrims pertaining to yatra.
Machail Mata Yatra would start from Jammu, allowing devotees to be a part of this spiritual journey from the very beginning. The holy mace or Chhari of Goddess Machail Mata is carried by devotees during the Yatra singing devotional bhajans in praise of the Goddess amidst the beating of traditional drums, playing flutes, chanting mantras, and showering flower petals.
The Machail Yatris trek about 33 km from Gulabgarh, passing through scenic nature, including the most sacred hot and cold water springs that are miracles of nature and the shrine of Machail Mata lies in the landscape of unblemished beauty with hills, glaciers, and tributaries of the Chenab river.
With the main aim of focusing on the convenience of Yatris at every step during the Yatra, adequate arrangements and well-organised preparations have been chalked out like convenient transportation modes via digital services for online booking of the chopper, Palki or pony services, ample accommodation facilities of homestays, tentage, toilet facilities, 4G connectivity, solar power backups, health care and various other essential services along with upgraded infrastructure.
This year's pilgrimage promises to be a memorable and fulfilling experience for all the devotees. The Directorate of tourism Jammu is exclusively promoting the yatra across the country through various modes of publicity including radio jingles, newspaper advertisements, flex hoardings, and social media handles to ensure maximum participation of Yatris from across the country and to attract visitors for boosting local employment and showcasing of indigenous rich culture.