Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the annual mela at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmul town, Ganderbal district, along with numerous devotees from various parts of the country. The shrine saw a significant gathering of Kashmiri Pandits and other devotees who traveled to the Valley for this important religious event. Pilgrims began arriving on Sunday, with many staying overnight for prayers and ceremonies.
Manoj Sinha visited the temple to celebrate Jyeshtha Ashtami and prayed for peace and prosperity. He expressed joy in connecting with devotees from all over the country. Both Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended greetings to the devotees on this auspicious occasion.
Sinha conveyed his warm wishes to everyone, especially the Kashmiri Pandit community, on Jyeshtha Ashtami. He hoped for blessings of peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity from Mata Kheer Bhawani. Omar Abdullah highlighted the festival’s significance in showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural richness and pluralistic ethos.
The Chief Minister emphasized the festival’s spiritual importance and its reflection of the region’s cultural and civilizational heritage. He expressed optimism that the occasion would strengthen communal harmony and mutual respect. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior religious leader, also greeted the devotees and emphasized the shared heritage of Kashmir.
The Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, holds immense religious significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Devotees offer kheer, a milk and rice pudding, to the goddess as a traditional practice. The festival attracts Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of India, reflecting their emotional and spiritual connection with the shrine despite past adversities.
Local elders recall a belief that the color of the sacred spring at the temple predicts Kashmir’s future. The festival was meticulously organized by the administration, ensuring security, healthcare, and transport facilities for the devotees. Security arrangements were in place along the pilgrimage route to ensure a smooth and safe event.
