Kashmiri Migrant Pandits Observe Jyeshtha Ashtami with Devotion in Jammu
Janipur shrine witnesses early morning rituals, prayers and cultural gatherings as Kashmiri Pandit community celebrates sacred festival
Jammu, Jun 22: A large number of devotees gathered at Kheer Bhawani Peeth in the Janipur area of Jammu on Monday to observe Jyeshtha Ashtami, one of the most significant annual religious occasions for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The shrine, considered a spiritual extension of the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, saw continuous inflow of worshippers from the early morning hours as rituals commenced with traditional devotion and religious discipline.
The day began with the first ‘aarti’ performed at 3 am, setting the tone for a series of ceremonial practices that included havan, special prayers, devotional singing and distribution of prasad among devotees.
Built after the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the early 1990s, the Janipur shrine has evolved into a significant centre of faith for the displaced community. Established through collective community efforts, it continues to preserve religious traditions and cultural identity linked to their ancestral roots.
For many devotees, the temple serves as a vital spiritual connection to Kashmir, especially for those unable to travel to the original shrine in Ganderbal. Worshippers described the experience as emotionally significant, offering a sense of continuity with their heritage.
Several devotees said they prayed for peace, health and prosperity of their families while expressing hope of returning someday to their homeland to offer prayers at the original Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine.
According to visitors, the temple provided a deeply personal space for reflection and devotion, strengthening their cultural ties despite years of displacement.
The management of Kheer Bhawani Peeth made extensive arrangements for the annual observance, ensuring smooth conduct of rituals and convenience for pilgrims. Traditional offerings such as kand (sugar candy), milk, flowers and incense were arranged for devotees.
As part of the celebrations, more than 20,000 earthen lamps were prepared, which devotees lit while praying for fulfilment of their wishes, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the event.
Temple governing body member Sushil Wattal stated that coordination with various government departments was carried out to ensure adequate facilities, including medical support, crowd management and uninterrupted services throughout the day.
The annual observance once again highlighted the cultural resilience of the Kashmiri Pandit community, as well as their continued commitment to preserving long-standing religious traditions away from their original homeland.
