Ganderbal, June 22: Security measures have been intensified around the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, as thousands of devotees are expected to attend the annual Kheer Bhawani festival today. Multiple layers of security arrangements, including the deployment of police and security forces, have been put in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful pilgrimage.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended heartfelt greetings to the devotees on this auspicious occasion. He prayed for peace, prosperity, and happiness for the people, expressing hope that this sacred festival would further strengthen the bonds of harmony, brotherhood, and the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also conveyed his best wishes via social media, stating, “On the holy occasion of Jyestha Ashtami, I extend warm greetings to everyone, especially our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters. May Mata Kheer Bhawani always inspire us to walk the path of truth and righteousness, blessing all with peace, joy, good health, and prosperity.”
VK Birdi, Inspector General of Police for the Kashmir Zone, congratulated everyone on the Kheer Bhawani festival. He emphasized that this day should bring a sense of peace, spiritual strength, and unity for all.
Earlier, on June 18, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the preparations for the Kheer Bhawani festival. During his visit to the temple, he inspected the arrangements being made for the devotees arriving from various parts of the country and abroad. This annual festival attracts a large number of devotees seeking the blessings of the goddess.
On June 21, IG VK Birdi visited the sacred Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, accompanied by DIG Rajiv Omprakash Pandey and SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama. They conducted a thorough review of the security arrangements for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Kheer Bhawani Mela 2026.
During this visit, the IG closely examined the security measures inside and around the temple premises. He reviewed various aspects, including access control, deployment of security personnel, crowd management strategies, traffic regulation, and the availability of designated parking facilities for the devotees.
The IG stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of vigilance, coordination, and preparedness to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience for all attendees. He directed officials to ensure robust security arrangements, effective traffic management, and timely availability of all essential services in and around the temple.
Mata Kheer Bhawani is regarded as the patron goddess of Kashmiri Pandits, holding significant reverence in the region. Jyestha Ashtami holds immense religious importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Over the years, the Kheer Bhawani festival has become a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir.
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