Early Times Report
KISHTWAR, July 5: The three-day-long Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra concluded with great devotion and fervour as the grand Shobha Yatra (ceremonial procession) carrying the Pooja Thali was offered at the sacred feet of Ashtdashbhuja Mata at Sarthal Devi Ji Bhawan. The occasion also marked the completion of the five-day-long Shapshati Maha Yagya, during which thousands of devotees offered the Purnahuti and sought blessings from their Kuldevi (family deity).
Throughout the night, a soulful Jagrata was held featuring performances by renowned artistes including Sonali Dogra, Mohander Soni Musical Group, Neeru Paddri, Surinder Thakur, Oma Devi and others, who mesmerized the devotees with devotional bhajans.
The cultural program was organized under the overall management of Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust, headed by Chairman Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh and managed by Sanjeev Parihar, Vice Chairman of the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council Trust, along with all its members. The artistes were deputed by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The annual Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra is traditionally held on Ashadha Ashtami, which this year falls on July 4, 2025. As per age-old customs, the ceremonial procession began from Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, following a half-day-long Havan. Hon'ble MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar, DDC Chairperson Pooja Thakur, and Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma performed the rituals and symbolically placed the Pooja Thali on the head of Sanjeev Parihar, Vice Chairman of the Management Council, to lead the procession.
Thousands of devotees joined the Shobha Yatra on foot, and local residents lined the roads to extend a warm welcome. A vibrant cultural performance was showcased en route by a group from the Paddar region, dressed in traditional attire and playing folk drums. Upon reaching Shiv Nagar Kishtwar, devotees boarded buses and other vehicles arranged by the Trust for their onward journey to Sarthal Devi Ji Bhawan.
Along the way, villagers of Wasnoti, Galigad, and Agral welcomed the procession with refreshments and heartfelt hospitality. A unique musical tribute was presented by Surinder Thakur's group at Mandir Turn, which was greatly appreciated by the yatris.
The Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council Trust extended heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma, District Police, cultural organizations, and the entire local administration for their active support and cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra. |
