Thousands attend Kheer Bhawani mela in Kashmir amid tight security

A sea of devotees descended on the historic Mata Kheer Bhawani temple at Tulmulla in the Kashmir valley on Monday as the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela began on Jyeshtha Ashtami, drawing thousands of Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims from across India and abroad.

The shrine reverberated with religious fervour and chants of “Bhawani Mata Ki Jai” as devotees paid obeisance at one of Kashmir’s most revered temples. The turnout was noticeably larger than in recent years, underscoring the enduring emotional and spiritual bond of the Kashmiri Pandit community with the shrine.
Security forces, including the J&K Police, CRPF, BSF and SSB, maintained a tight vigil with extensive deployment, while CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring were used to oversee the proceedings.

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his greetings to devotees and wished that the blessings of Mata Ragnya Devi continue to guide everyone towards harmony, progress and spiritual fulfilment.

Interacting with Kashmiri Pandit Community members, the Lieutenant Governor assured that the comprehensive arrangements have been successfully put in place to ensure a seamless and spiritual experience for everyone.

The Lieutenant Governor also met representatives of various Kashmiri Pandit organisations, PM Package employees and civil society delegations. He listened to their concerns and assured them of the Administration’s commitment towards ensuring their welfare.

Speaking to media-persons, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Today, I prayed for the well-being, peace and prosperity of all. May the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani be upon everyone. This year, the number of devotees visiting the holy shrine is higher compared to previous years. The administration has made comprehensive and foolproof arrangements to ensure the convenience, safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage for all devotees.”
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Dr Arvind Karwani, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner; senior officials of police and civil administration and heads of Kashmiri Pandit organizations.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended warm greetings to devotees on the auspicious occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.
He prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people and expressed hope that the sacred festival would further strengthen the bonds of harmony, brotherhood and the rich composite cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti visited the Kheer Bhawani temple where she met the Kashmiri Pandits who have come from different parts of the country to pay obeisance during the annual mela.

“The scenes at Mela Kheer Bhawani were heartwarming beyond words. The warmth and affection between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims transcended the walls of mistrust and division that some have sought to build for their own agendas”, she said.