KISHTWAR, AUGUST 03: For the first time, devotees visiting Shri Machail Mata Temple in Padder have access to fresh flowers at the Bhawan.
This initiative was carried out by District Administration Kishtwar under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma and ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kumar Kotwal in coordination with the Department of Floriculture, Parks & Gardens led by Sh. Arjun Singh Parihar, Assistant Floriculture Officer Doda-Kishtwar.
Support from flower growers and the local business community of Machail, who also help arrange prasad for pilgrims, played a key role.
Lakhs of devotees visit Shri Machail Mata Temple each year during the Machail Yatra. Flowers are closely linked with religious rituals and their availability at this remote shrine has been well received by devotees and locals.
Making flowers available at Machail was a challenge. Due to the terrain and long foot journey, ensuring fresh flowers, despite their short shelf life, was a major task. Eight flower growers and one local youth from Padder worked to make this long-pending effort possible.
In coming years, with road connectivity expected to improve, the supply of flowers is likely to increase. The rising demand for flowers at Machail Bhawan will open job opportunities for the local farming community through marigold and other flower cultivation, benefitting farmers, traders and vendors.
