Thousands of devotees, primarily Kashmiri Pandits from across India and abroad, visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla in central Kashmir on Monday to celebrate the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela.
A multi-layer security ring was thrown around the temple complex and along the route leading to the shrine.
The temple, nestled in the shade of mighty chinar trees in Ganderbal, wore a festive look as devotees from across the country congregated at the shrine complex to celebrate the mela on the occasion of ‘Jyeshta Ashtami’.
The devotees paid obeisance to the deity while offering milk and ‘kheer’ (rice pudding) at the sacred spring within the complex.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also paid obeisance at the shrine and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of J&K.
Speaking to reporters, the L-G said it is a matter of satisfaction that the number of pilgrims this year was more compared to the last few years.
Interacting with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, Sinha said comprehensive arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for devotees.
The L-G met representatives of various Kashmiri Pandit organisations, PM Package employees and civil society groups. He listened to their concerns and assured them of the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
“Today, I prayed for the well-being, peace and prosperity of all. May the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani be upon everyone. The administration has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the convenience, safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage,” he told reporters.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also visited the temple and described the scenes at the mela as “heartwarming beyond words”, saying it was time to move beyond the divisions of the past.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq extended greetings on the occasion. “On the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani, I extend my warm greetings to our Kashmiri Pandit brethren. May this day renew the spirit of mutual respect, brotherhood and the shared heritage of Kashmir that we inherited,” he wrote on X.
