Anantnag, Aug 22 (JKNS): The Holy Mace, Chhari Mubarak, associated with the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), was today received with traditional fervor, enthusiasm, and solemnity upon its arrival at Bijbehara.
Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag (Yatra Officer, Pahalgam Axis), Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat(IAS) formally received and welcomed the custodian of the sacred symbol, Mahant Deependra Giri, at Pujteng.
SSP, Amod Ashok Nagpure, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Muzammil Maqbool Beigh, SPs, Sunny Gupta and Dr. Rameez Raja, SE, PWD, Syed Ishfaq Ahmad, SDM and Tehsildar, Bijbehara, CMO and other officers from the civil and police administration were present during the reception.
Mahant Deependra Giri, led the procession accompanied by a large gathering of sadhus and devotees chanting devotional hymns.
Special pujas and traditional rituals were performed at the Shiv Temple in Bijbehara, followed by ceremonies at the historic Martand Tirth, Mattan. The Chhari Mubarak will pay visits and perform religious rites at several traditional halts and ancient temples including Gourishankar Temple, Pahalgam over the coming days.
The Holy Mace is scheduled to reach the Holy Cave on August 28, 2026, coinciding with Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan), marking the formal culmination of the SANJY-2026 pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the district administration has made all necessary arrangements regarding security, traffic management, accomodation and sanitation besides put in place the essential facilities including firewood, food, pooja samagri and drinking water for smooth and safe journey of Chhari Mubarak along with Mahant Ji, accompanying sadhus and the devotees to the Holy Cave. (JKNS)
