DC Kishtwar assesses preparation for Shri Machail Mata Yatra 

Participates in Annual Padar Cultural Festival

KISHTWAR, JULY 22: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav  today visited Paddar to assess the arrangements for the Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2023, scheduled to commence from 25th July 2023.

Accompanied by several officials, he also inspected the ongoing construction works in Sub-Division Paddar.

SDM Paddar, Arun Kumar Badyal; DDC Member Paddar, Hari Krishan Chauhan; Tehsildar Paddar Satish Rana; BDO Paddar, Sanjeev Kotwal; XEN PWD R&B, Ravinder Kumar; SDPO Paddar, Manoj Kumar; SHO Paddar Vikram Parihar; AEE JPDCL Sudhir Sharma; AEE PWD Aijaz Ahmed Gagroo and Concerned Engineer’s of PWD R&B accompanied the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar.

The primary objective of DC’s visit was to review the preparations made by the concerned authorities for the seamless conduct of the Shri Machail Mata Yatra.

During his visit, he inspected the ongoing construction work of Yatri Bhawan, Sapphire Guest House and Mushroom Tents in Gulabgarh Paddar. He directed the authorities to work in double shifts and prioritize making the facilities available for pilgrims well before the start of the yatra.

SDM Paddar, Arun Kumar Badyal, was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the progress of work on these projects and ensuring the maintenance of quality work.

Emphasizing the administration’s commitment to provide adequate facilities to the devotees, Dr. Yadav stressed on making adequate provision of healthcare, sanitation, water, electricity, langar points, accommodation, and security arrangements throughout the Shri Machail Mata Yatra. He urged all concerned departments to diligently adhere to the prescribed guidelines to ensure a seamless and enjoyable pilgrimage experience for the devotees.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, SSP, SDPO, Tehsildar Atholi, SHO, and other District Administration Officers participated in the “Annual Paddar Cultural Festival” organized by the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Society at Gulabgarh Gompa.

The festival commenced with the lighting of the Chodmey (lamp) by the Deputy Commissioner in the presence of SSP and President of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Society Paddar, Padma Laton, along with other senior officers.

The event featured captivating cultural dance performances and a showcase of traditional food, local weaving materials, clothes, food grains, masalas, medicinal plants, and more at the stalls. Paima Laton and the executive members led the festival, which saw participation from around 500-600 people.

The Annual Paldar Cultural Festival, initiated by His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche on 22nd July 2018, has become a prominent platform for the local Buddhist community of Paddar to display their rich cultural heritage through traditional dresses, food, dance, and singing.