By Admin 
The 43 -day annual journey of the holy Machail Mata temple located in the lap of the Himalayas started officially on Friday. In this journey started between reverence, faith and security, more than 4,900 devotees visited the mother on the first day. The atmosphere of the first day of the journey was very enthusiastic and devotional.
A flood of reverence on the mountainous paths
From Friday morning, the batch of devotees set out on foot from the winding hill paths. Women, men and children all completed the journey with a sense of vision of mother despite hard climbing. The atmosphere was immersed in Bhaktiras with the echo of shouts and the tunes of religious songs throughout the route. Many devotees had arrived with the goddess with personal happiness, peace and family prosperity.
4,944 devotees visited the first day
Kishtwar police officer informed that a total of 4,944 devotees visited the mother on the first day of the yatra. These included 3,861 men, 776 women and 308 children. This figure is considered to be quite encouraging compared to previous years, and officials hope that this number will increase even more in the coming days.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration and security agencies have made multi-level security arrangements to make the journey safe and organized. On the way, teams of CRPF, Police and Health Department are deployed on the way. Drone and CCTV cameras are being monitored, so that no untoward incident occurs. Besides, medical camps, mobile ambulances and emergency assistance centers have also been set up.
Tourism and religious sentiments are getting promoted
Machal Yatra not only gives energy to religious sentiments, but it also emphasizes local tourism and employment. Local people are providing facilities like food, stay and guide service for the devotees, which increases their income.
Special event will be held on 6 September on the last day
This journey lasts for about one and a half months every year. This time the yatra will conclude on 6 September, when special puja and religious programs will be organized.