Srinagar, June 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted a review of the preparations for the Kheer Bhawani Mela, set to take place in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district.
Officials reported that Abdullah, who is also the local MLA, assured that all pending tasks and necessary arrangements would be completed before the religious event on June 22.
During his visit to the sacred site of the Kheer Bhawani temple, CM Abdullah inspected the arrangements being made for pilgrims arriving from various parts of the country and abroad. Every year, devotees gather at this festival to seek blessings from the goddess.
In a conversation with journalists, Abdullah emphasized the significance of the Kheer Bhawani Mela, highlighting the participation of devotees from around the world.
As the local MLA, he personally assessed the arrangements at the temple and reviewed the preparations of various departments.
The Chief Minister mentioned that he spoke with the temple priests and other stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns. He acknowledged that some essential tasks remain and assured that the administration would make every effort to complete them before the festival begins.
Abdullah stressed that ensuring smooth arrangements for the pilgrims is a top priority for the administration. He directed the relevant officials to expedite the remaining work.
He expressed confidence that all necessary facilities, basic arrangements, and other essential support would be provided to the pilgrims before the festival starts.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most significant religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Each year, a large number of devotees visit this historic temple located in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district.
The festival is celebrated on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami at the sacred temple of Mata Ragnya Devi. It is regarded as one of the largest and most important religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The main festival will be held on June 22, with related religious programs also taking place in other areas of the Kashmir Valley, including Kupwara, Anantnag, and Kulgam.
Thousands of devotees travel to the Kashmir Valley from across the country. Typically, the administration arranges special transportation, deploying fleets of buses from Jammu.
The temple is renowned for its natural water source, believed to have miraculous properties. It is said that the water changes color, with darker shades indicating difficult times, while lighter hues symbolize peace and prosperity.
Beyond its religious significance, the festival also represents Kashmir’s shared cultural heritage. Local Kashmiri Muslims traditionally assist with the arrangements for the mela, providing refreshments and community meals, and welcoming returning Kashmiri Pandits. This collaboration is seen as an example of centuries-old social and cultural unity.
Devotees particularly offer milk, kheer, and sugar sweets to the goddess.
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