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BARI (JAMMU): The 13th Annual Jyesth and Hari Yatra commenced today with great religious enthusiasm, devotion, and traditional rituals as JKPCC Kissan Congress Chairman and Mahant Bharat Priye ceremoniously flagged off the sacred chhadi yatra from the historic premises of Sarv Shakti Chandi Dham, Bari.
The atmosphere at the shrine reverberated with devotional chants, shlokas, and bhajans as a large gathering of devotees assembled to witness the commencement of the annual pilgrimage. Priests performed customary rituals before the ceremonial flag-off, seeking blessings for the smooth, peaceful, and successful conduct of the yatra.
The Jyesth and Hari Chhadi Yatra is dedicated to the revered memory of late Dev Raj/Devesh Thakur Ji, who originally initiated this spiritual tradition with deep religious commitment. What began as a humble devotional initiative has today evolved into a significant annual pilgrimage, symbolising continuity of faith, cultural identity, and spiritual unity among devotees.
Following his demise, the sacred tradition has been faithfully preserved and carried forward by Pandit Pankaj Ji and Sant Lal Singh Thakur Ji, who have ensured that the spiritual legacy remains uninterrupted and continues to inspire devotees across regions.This year marks the 13th edition of the yatra, which will be conducted from May 13 to May 15, 2026. The three-day spiritual journey will see devotees walking alongside the ceremonial chhadi (holy staff), offering prayers, chanting hymns, and participating in religious rituals throughout the route.
The procession began from Jammu and will pass through key traditional halts including Hari Nagar, Kathua, and Basohli, before reaching its final destination at the revered Bani Chandi Mata Temple in the Bani area. At each halt, local devotees are expected to welcome the yatra with traditional offerings, prasad distribution, and collective prayers, reinforcing the spirit of shared devotion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Bharat Priye underscored the profound spiritual significance of the yatra, describing it as a living tradition that connects generations through faith and devotion. He said that such pilgrimages are not merely religious journeys but also serve as a bridge between cultural heritage and contemporary spiritual practice.
He further stated that the teachings embedded in such traditions encourage righteousness, compassion, discipline, and service to humanity. According to him, the continued observance of the yatra reflects the unwavering faith of devotees in divine blessings and the enduring strength of Sanatan spiritual values.
The organisers highlighted that the yatra also plays an important role in fostering communal harmony and social unity, as devotees from diverse backgrounds come together in a shared expression of devotion. They added that the pilgrimage creates an atmosphere of collective spirituality, where differences dissolve in the spirit of faith and reverence.
Adequate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the yatra, including security support, sanitation facilities, drinking water provisions, and volunteer assistance at major halts. Local residents and community groups have also extended their cooperation by arranging langar (community kitchen), refreshments, and resting points for pilgrims along the route.
Devotees participating in the yatra expressed deep emotional and spiritual attachment to the tradition, stating that joining the procession brings them inner peace, blessings, and a strong sense of belonging to an age-old cultural practice.The inaugural phase of the yatra concluded with collective prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being of humanity, marking a spiritually uplifting beginning to the three-day sacred journey that continues to uphold faith, tradition, and cultural continuity in the region.