STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Editor-in-Chief, STATE TIMES, Raj Daluja on Sunday flagged of the 43rd Holy Chhari Yatra of the Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit from the historic Shri Raghunathji Temple in Jammu.
The Shoba Yatra, accompanied by chants of praise for Maa Vaishno Devi, proceeded through the main markets of Jammu, Kol Kandoli (first darshan) in Nagrota, and the holy city of Katra, culminating at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Devotees participating in the first sacred Navratri had the privilege of worshipping the Chhari and observing the Goddess with full rituals.
State President Manish Sahni said the devotees would pray at the feet of the Mother Goddess for happiness, prosperity, well-being, and relief from future natural disasters.
He noted that the landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route on August 26, which claimed 34 lives, along with other recent natural calamities, has caused significant loss of life and property in Jammu and Kashmir as well as other states. “This year’s Chhari Yatra is being carried out symbolically, invoking divine blessings for the safety and welfare of all,” Sahni added.
The flagged off ceremony was also attended by Dr. Ritu Singh, Bal Saint Sahil Ji Maharaj, and former IPS officer Ashok Sharma.
Sahni honored the dignitaries with a Pagri and Mata’s Chunari, and a feast was organized for participants.
During the procession, Shiv Sainiks also carried placards reading, “Mother, grant wisdom to the BCCI and the Central Government,” expressing their protest against the India-Pakistan match in the ongoing Asia Cup. Sahni criticized the decision, calling it “an insult to Operation Sindoor and the martyrs, and an act that hurts the national sentiments of millions of Indians.”
Earlier, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had launched the nationwide “Mera Sindoor, Mera Desh” campaign, emphasizing the sentiments of the devotees and protesting the scheduling of matches against Pakistan. Sahni reiterated the party’s demand for sensitivity toward national pride while engaging in sports events.
The Holy Chhari Yatra this year, while upholding religious traditions, also served as a platform for expressing solidarity with victims of recent natural disasters and emphasizing national pride, blending devotion with social and patriotic consciousness.