CM Omar Abdullah Offers Prayers at Kheer Bhawani Shrine in Ganderbal

Srinagar, June 18: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district to review preparations for the annual mela scheduled to be held on June 22. The visit comes ahead of the significant religious gathering that attracts hundreds of devotees, particularly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, from across India and abroad.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected various arrangements made for pilgrims and assessed the readiness of facilities established to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for visitors. He also offered prayers at the temple dedicated to Ragnya Devi, popularly worshipped as Mata Kheer Bhawani, one of the most revered deities among Kashmiri Hindus.

Speaking to reporters after paying obeisance at the shrine, Abdullah described the occasion as spiritually significant and highlighted the importance of the annual mela. He noted that devotees travel from different parts of the country and overseas to seek blessings at the historic temple.

The Chief Minister said his visit was aimed at reviewing preparations both in his capacity as the head of the Jammu and Kashmir government and as the elected representative of Ganderbal. He interacted with temple authorities, priests and officials overseeing arrangements for the event.

According to Abdullah, several concerns related to pilgrim facilities and logistical arrangements were brought to his attention during discussions with shrine representatives. He assured them that the administration would work to address the remaining issues before the commencement of the mela.

The annual Kheer Bhawani festival holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Every year, devotees gather at the shrine to offer prayers, participate in religious rituals and celebrate their spiritual connection with the sacred site. The event is also viewed as a symbol of Kashmir’s rich tradition of communal harmony and shared heritage.

Reviewing the facilities, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the availability of essential services, including sanitation, drinking water, transportation management, security arrangements and medical assistance. Authorities have been instructed to coordinate closely to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims and prevent inconvenience during the event.

Abdullah also referred to the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. He stated that while the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board bears primary responsibility for managing the pilgrimage, the Jammu and Kashmir government is extending all necessary support to ensure successful conduct of the annual yatra.

He emphasized that coordination between various departments remains crucial in maintaining safety, infrastructure and public services during the pilgrimage season. The administration, he said, remains committed to providing every possible assistance wherever required.

Appealing to visiting pilgrims, the Chief Minister urged devotees participating in both the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Amarnath Yatra to offer prayers for peace, unity and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the spiritual gatherings would strengthen social harmony and reinforce the message of coexistence across communities.

During the interaction, Abdullah also addressed concerns regarding irrigation shortages reported from certain areas of Ganderbal. He clarified that the issue was limited to specific localities and not widespread across the district. Efforts were underway through canal networks and other available resources to ensure adequate water supply for agricultural activities.

The Chief Minister noted that recent rainfall had provided some relief from water scarcity and helped improve irrigation conditions. Nevertheless, he assured residents that additional measures would be taken wherever required. He announced that concerned ministers and officials would be directed to visit affected areas and assess the situation on the ground.

Responding to questions regarding reports about housing facilities being developed for Kashmiri Pandits in parts of south Kashmir, Abdullah clarified that the projects were transit accommodations intended for employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s rehabilitation package. He explained that such facilities were designed to provide secure and convenient residential arrangements for government employees serving in the Valley.

The Chief Minister noted that these accommodation projects were initiated during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and continue as part of an ongoing rehabilitation and support framework. He emphasized that the objective is to provide better living conditions for employees while facilitating their professional responsibilities.

The visit to the Kheer Bhawani shrine reflects the administration’s efforts to ensure that major religious events are conducted smoothly and peacefully. Security agencies and civil authorities are expected to remain on high alert in the coming days as preparations intensify ahead of the annual mela.

With thousands expected to participate in the religious gathering, the administration is focusing on infrastructure, crowd management and public convenience measures to ensure a successful event. The annual festival remains an important spiritual occasion and a reminder of Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse cultural traditions.

As the pilgrimage season approaches, government departments are working in coordination to create a safe and welcoming environment for devotees visiting the Union Territory. Officials believe the successful conduct of the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Amarnath Yatra will further reinforce confidence among pilgrims and contribute to the region’s religious tourism sector.

The annual celebration at Tulmulla continues to hold a special place in the hearts of devotees, serving as both a spiritual gathering and a symbol of enduring faith. With final preparations underway, authorities are hopeful that this year’s event will be conducted smoothly, allowing pilgrims to participate in religious observances without difficulty while carrying forward the message of peace and communal harmony.