Dedani: A Serene Gem in Doda’s Cultural Heartland

By Mool Raj

Located in the serene Marmat valley of Doda district, the village of Dedani is a place where faith, folklore, and nature intertwine beautifully. About 30 kilometers from the district headquarters, this picturesque hamlet, surrounded by deodar and kail forests, is home to the revered Durga Mata Temple — a sacred shrine that draws thousands of devotees every year for its annual festivals and the famed “Trishool Bhaint Yatra.”

The temple holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Chenab Valley. The festival of Baisakhi, celebrated every year on April 13, marks the opening of the Durga Mata Darbar, while Sthapana Diwas, observed on August 24–25, commemorates the reinstallation of the ancient idol of Mata Durga in 1982 after it was recovered from Chenani, Udhampur, following a theft by smugglers. The district administration and local devotees together transformed that tragic event into a story of faith’s resilience, celebrating it every year with colour, devotion, and unity.

The Trishool Bhaint Yatra begins from various villages — Khellani, Paryote, Hambal, and Shree — where pilgrims carrying sacred tridents march through the scenic route towards the Durga Mata Temple. The yatras converge at Dedani Padri, two kilometres before the temple, creating a spectacle of devotion, drums, and chants that reverberate through the forested slopes. Upon arrival, the devotees are received with traditional rituals, followed by the grand Jagrata that lasts through the night.

For two days, Dedani transforms into a vibrant centre of religious and cultural celebration. The management committee of the Durga Mata Mandir organizes langars, night-long devotional gatherings, and cultural programs that showcase the rich traditions of the region. Pilgrims from Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, and even Jammu arrive in large numbers. The district administration ensures essential services like security, medical aid, and water supply — a gesture widely appreciated by the locals and the temple committee.

The festival also offers a taste of local flavours. The langars serve simple yet soul-satisfying fare — steaming plates of Rajma Chawal with desi ghee, spicy chutney, and Klari Kulcha, a local delicacy made from milk solids. Sweet stalls offer jalebis and khoya-based treats, making the mela both a spiritual and sensory delight.

The temple itself is a modest yet impressive structure, built to suit the region’s cold, snowy climate. Perched on a stone platform, its steel-sheet Shikhara gleams in the sunlight, topped with a brass Kalash. Inside, the sanctum — the Garbhgriha — houses the idol of Mata Durga, surrounded by bells that ring continuously as devotees offer prayers. The premises include a circular Parikrama path, open lawns, and meadows dotted with towering fir and deodar trees. Two serene ponds, one natural and one man-made, add to the temple’s charm.

The Kood Mela, or Sthapana Diwas, held every August, is not just a religious gathering but a festival of togetherness. It revives age-old traditions like the Dhakku dance, a spirited folk performance that symbolizes communal harmony. Artisans and craftsmen from nearby villages set up stalls showcasing pottery, woollens, and handmade wooden crafts, turning the mela into a hub of rural art and livelihood. For many, it is a moment to reconnect with their roots, meet relatives, and celebrate the shared heritage of the Chenab Valley.

Over the years, the temple committee and district administration have worked in coordination to improve facilities for visitors. The installation of drinking water points, medical booths, and sanitation units has made the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable. Still, some challenges persist — particularly the need for a steady electricity supply and completion of the remaining stretch of the Hambal–Dedani road, which is vital for better access.

The road project, which has been under construction for several years, has faced delays due to technical and environmental issues, including deforestation concerns. Locals hope that with renewed administrative focus under DDC Doda Harvinder Singh, the final five-kilometre stretch from Satulla to the Durga Mata Temple will soon be completed. The administration has already taken notable steps to address the survey discrepancies and coordinate between departments to resume work. Once finished, the road will not only benefit pilgrims but also unlock Dedani’s potential as a key eco-religious tourism site in Jammu and Kashmir.

Beyond its spiritual aura, Dedani is an untapped tourist paradise. Its lush meadows, cool climate, and panoramic views rival some of the most famous destinations in the Union Territory. Nearby attractions like Kalhota, Dhara Top, Lal Draman, Gala Dhar, Jayi Valley, and Chinta are equally mesmerizing, offering breathtaking landscapes that have earned Bhaderwah the title of “Chhota Kashmir.” The Chenab Valley, with its diverse topography and cultural richness, can emerge as a major tourism circuit if infrastructure and promotion receive continued attention.

The growing footfall at Dedani’s fairs underscores the importance of developing the site sustainably. The management committee, with support from the administration, has already initiated steps to ensure cleanliness and discipline during melas. Notices strictly prohibit alcohol or narcotic use within temple premises, while pilgrims are encouraged to respect the sanctity of the environment. Suggestions have been made to install more dustbins, create a stall registration system, and engage local vloggers and NGOs to promote the fair responsibly.

The government’s role in nurturing such heritage spots remains crucial. Setting up permanent drinking water stations, adding more public toilets, and enhancing waste management systems will go a long way in improving visitor experience. Promoting local cultural performances and culinary festivals can further draw tourists while generating employment for the local youth.

In the spirit of inclusivity, the Kood Mela holds special social significance. People from different faiths — Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists — participate in the festivities, celebrating unity and brotherhood. For decades, the event has symbolized peace and togetherness, transcending religious boundaries. Locals have long requested the government to declare August 25 as a local holiday for Dedani’s Kood Mela and Bhaderwah’s Kailash Yatra — a gesture that would honour the region’s composite culture and collective identity.

Dedani stands today as a testament to Kashmir’s living heritage — a place where devotion meets ecology, and community spirit thrives amid Himalayan silence. The annual festivals here are not just rituals of faith but reminders of resilience, unity, and the eternal bond between the divine and the devoted.

As the chants of “Jai Mata Di” echo through the cedar-lined slopes of Marmat, one is reminded that Dedani is more than a destination — it is a journey into the heart of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural soul, waiting to be discovered, cherished, and preserved for generations to come.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this newspaper