Annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela Draws Thousands of Devotees to Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Jun 22: Thousands of devotees converged at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district on Sunday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most significant religious observances of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir as well as different parts of the country arrived at the shrine to pay obeisance to Goddess Ragnya Devi and offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami. The temple complex witnessed a steady influx of worshippers throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality and devotion.

Devotees performed traditional rituals at the sacred spring within the shrine premises, offering milk and kheer while praying for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of society. Many described the visit as a deeply emotional experience that reaffirmed their cultural and spiritual connection with Kashmir.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the annual event, the administration made elaborate arrangements, including security deployment, healthcare facilities, transportation services, sanitation measures, and volunteer assistance for pilgrims.

The mela also highlighted Kashmir’s enduring ethos of coexistence, with members of the local Muslim community extending support in facilitating the pilgrimage. Their participation in the arrangements was widely appreciated by devotees, who viewed the gesture as a reflection of the Valley’s longstanding traditions of mutual respect and brotherhood.

Several participants expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and well-organised conduct of the event, noting that such occasions help strengthen social bonds and preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Observed every year at the historic Tulmulla shrine, the Kheer Bhawani Mela continues to attract devotees from across India and remains a cherished symbol of faith, unity, and communal harmony.