Three-day Annual Jyesth & Hari Yatra begins with religious enthusiasm

Mahant Bharat Priye along with other priests taking out Chhadi Yatra from Sarv Shakti Chandi Dham, Jammu.
Mahant Bharat Priye along with other priests taking out Chhadi Yatra from Sarv Shakti Chandi Dham, Jammu.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 13: 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 premises of Sarv Shakti Chandi Dham.
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.
The Jyesth and Hari Chhadi Yatra is dedicated to the revered memory of late Dev Raj/Devesh Thakur, who originally initiated this spiritual tradition with deep religious commitment.
This year marks the 13th edition of this 3-day yatra. 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 Chandi Mata Temple.
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.
The organizers 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.
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.