Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, June 14 (KNS): The annual 'Mela Kheer Bhawani,' a revered festival honoring Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi, was celebrated with immense fervor and gaiety on Friday in the Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district and other places in the Kashmir valley.
Thousands of devotees participated in the spiritual festivities, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.
News agency KNS reported that celebrated on Zeisht Ashtami, the Kheer Bhawani Mela also took place in Tikker in Kupwara, Laktipora Aishmuqam in Anantnag, Mata Tripursundri Devsar in Kulgam, and Mata Kheer Bhawani in Manzgam.
The main congregation was held at Tulmulla (Ganderbal) on the auspicious occasion of Zyesht Ashtami on June 14, 2024.
The Ganderbal District Administration ensured comprehensive and elaborate arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims, providing amenities including accommodation, water, medical assistance, and stocked rations. Various organizations, including District Police Ganderbal, set up tents and offered refreshments to the devotees.
Every year, the Kheer Bhawani Mela is organized at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, attracting Pandith devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and other states.
Kheer Bhawani is considered the deity of Kashmiri Pandits, holding significant recognition and respect. Over the years, the Kheer Bhawani Mela has become a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir.
The religious sanctity of Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, built atop a holy spring, holds special spiritual significance among Kashmiri Pandit devotees worldwide.
Security was a top priority, with additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the J&K Police ensuring the safety of attendees. Measures included escort vehicles, road opening parties (ROP), Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), law and order components, and additional checkpoints.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Nestled under the shade of grand Chinar trees, the temple witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims who came to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
Rituals included walking barefoot, offering rose petals, and taking a holy dip in a nearby stream believed to cleanse sins. Amidst spiritual chants and hymns, devotees prayed for peace.
The celebrations were marked by scenes of communal harmony, with members of the Muslim community assisting the Pandit devotees.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid obeisance at the temple.
Speaking to reporters, LG Sinha said, "Over 30,000 devotees visited the Kheer Bhawani temple. The Jammu and Kashmir administration and those who have faith in the deity have made the best arrangements. Devotees were ferried in around 200 buses from Jammu, with some coming from Delhi as well."
Sinha also announced the construction of a 'Yatri Niwas' to accommodate 1,000 pilgrims. "Last year, pilgrims requested a Yatri Niwas. I spoke to officials, and it will be built within the next eight months," he said.
Prominent political leaders, including former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, BJP’s J-K President Ravinder Raina, and CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, also paid obeisance at the shrine.
Abdullah, president of the National Conference (NC), expressed a desire for the Pandits to return to their homeland.
"Our brothers and sisters are praying here. They want to return to their homes. We want them to return and live together in peace and brotherhood. We have come here to pray for the whole country, to live in peace and brotherhood and for the prosperity of the country," Abdullah told reporters.(KNS)