Srinagar, June 22 (NVI): Thousands of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir and different parts of the country gathered at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district on Monday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela held on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
Devotees started arriving at the shrine early in the morning to offer prayers at the temple dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani. The shrine witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day amid religious fervour and devotion.
Many members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, including those who had travelled from outside Jammu and Kashmir, participated in the annual festival and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony.
District officials said elaborate arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the mela. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore said the administration had ensured adequate facilities, including security, traffic management, healthcare, sanitation and other essential services for the devotees.
“We welcome all pilgrims visiting the shrine. Necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage,” he said.
Senior police officers also visited the shrine and reviewed security arrangements. The Kashmir Police extended greetings to devotees and expressed hope that the festival would strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood in the region.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most important religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community and is observed every year at the historic Tulmulla shrine in central Kashmir.(NVI)
