KINS Desk
Srinagar, June 14(KINS): 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 locations across the Kashmir Valley. Thousands of devotees participated in the spiritual festivities, highlighting the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
As per news agency KINS, the Kheer Bhawani Mela, celebrated on Zeisht Ashtami, also took place in Tikker in Kupwara, Laktipora Aishmuqam in Anantnag, Mata Tripursundri Devsar in Kulgam, and Mata Kheer Bhawani in Manzgam. The four-day pilgrimage commenced on Wednesday from Jammu Nagrota, with devotees traveling in 176 buses to visit the renowned shrines in Kashmir.
The main congregation was centered at Tulmulla (Ganderbal) on the auspicious occasion of Zyesht Ashtami on June 14, 2024. The Ganderbal District Administration ensured comprehensive arrangements for the comfort and convenience of pilgrims, providing amenities such as accommodation, water, medical assistance, and stocked rations. Various organizations, including District Police Ganderbal, set up tents and offered refreshments to the devotees.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela annually draws devotees from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir to Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, reflecting its significance among Kashmiri Pandits and its role as a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood.
The temple, built atop a holy spring, holds profound spiritual significance for Kashmiri Pandit devotees globally. Security was paramount, with additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the J&K Police deployed to ensure the safety of attendees through measures including escort vehicles, road opening parties (ROP), Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and additional checkpoints.
Amidst the serene ambiance of grand Chinar trees, the temple witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims engaging in rituals such as walking barefoot, offering rose petals, and taking a holy dip in a nearby stream believed to purify sins. Spiritual chants and hymns filled the air as devotees prayed for peace.
The celebrations were marked by scenes of communal harmony, with members of the Muslim community extending support to Pandit devotees. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid obeisance at the temple, acknowledging the efforts of the administration and devotees in ensuring successful arrangements.
“Over 30,000 devotees visited the Kheer Bhawani temple. The Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with devotees, ensured the best arrangements,” said LG Sinha, who also announced plans for a ‘Yatri Niwas’ to accommodate 1,000 pilgrims within eight months.
Prominent political leaders, including former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, BJP’s J-K President Ravinder Raina, and CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, also visited the shrine. Abdullah expressed hope for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, emphasizing unity and prosperity for the nation.
The ‘Mela Kheer Bhawani’ celebrations have not only reaffirmed cultural and religious bonds but also showcased the collective spirit of harmony and reverence among communities in the Kashmir Valley.(KINS)
Thousands attend Annual ‘Mela Kheer Bhawani’ as administration, security forces ensure seamless arrangements
