Jammu, Jun 20 (NVI): The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra commenced on Saturday with around 8,500 pilgrims leaving for various pilgrimage destinations in Kashmir, officials said.
A fleet of 214 buses carrying devotees was flagged off from Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu for the shrine of Mata Ragnya Devi at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district and other traditional pilgrimage centres in the Valley.
The yatra was flagged off by Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana in the presence of senior civil and police officials, including DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shridhar Patil and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) Dr Arvind Karwani.
Officials said this year’s pilgrimage has witnessed a significant increase in registrations compared to previous years. They attributed the rise to the improved security situation, peaceful atmosphere and extensive arrangements made for devotees.
The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela is observed at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar-Manzgam in Kulgam and Logripora in Anantnag districts, with the main congregation taking place at the revered Mata Ragnya Devi shrine at Tulmulla.
Officials said special arrangements have been put in place by the administration, security agencies and various departments to facilitate the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Senior officers have also been deployed at key shrine locations to oversee arrangements and coordinate services for devotees.
The yatra will culminate on June 22 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, when thousands of devotees are expected to offer prayers at the shrines, they added.(NVI)
