Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits are embarking on the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela pilgrimage, with the first batch departing from Jammu for the Tulmulla temple. Comprehensive arrangements, including security and essential services, are in place to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the devotees.
By Pravin Kumar
A wave of spiritual fervor swept through Jammu as enthused devotees set off on their sacred journey to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3 at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal.
The pilgrimage, flagged off from Nagrota this morning by the District Administration, Jammu, saw devotees departing in a fleet of over 60 buses under stringent security arrangements, their hearts brimming with devotion and anticipation for the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela, a significant religious festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community, draws thousands of pilgrims from across the country to the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, where offerings of kheer (rice pudding) are made to the goddess Ragnya Devi.
This year’s event is expected to see a large turnout, with authorities ensuring comprehensive preparations to facilitate a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya and Jammu IGP Bhim Sen Tuti flag off more than 60 buses full of devotees going to the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela scheduled for 3 June, at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, in the Kashmir valley. pic.twitter.com/7ww9Z0h42a
— JAMMU LINKS NEWS (@JAMMULINKS) June 1, 2025
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, conducted an on-site inspection of the temple complex on May 30, ensuring that essential services such as sanitation, mobile toilets, and a clean environment are in place.
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The district administration has also arranged accommodation for devotees at the Central University of Kashmir campus in Tulmulla. Kishore emphasized seamless coordination among departments to provide round-the-clock services, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to a peaceful celebration.
Security has been a top priority, with Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi reviewing arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees. Stringent measures, including drone surveillance, checkpoints, and robust police deployment across Ganderbal, have been implemented to guarantee a smooth and secure pilgrimage.
Kashmiri Hindus cleaning natural spring of kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir.
Annual mela falls on Tuesday, come for a short trip and join us Kashmiri Hindus 🙏🚩🕉️ pic.twitter.com/JtNCK7VO35
— ThtKashmiriGuy (@ThtKashmiriGuy) June 1, 2025
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the temple on May 20 to oversee preparations, reiterated the administration’s dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all devotees. “Ensuring a smooth, safe, and welcoming environment for devotees remains our top priority,” he stated.
The Yatra, which began its journey from Jammu on June 1 at 6 AM, will make a brief halt at Ramban before proceeding to multiple destinations, including Tulmulla, Tikker (Kupwara), Devsar (Kulgam), Manzgam (Kulgam), and Logripora (Anantnag).
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Despite a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V.K. Bidhuri, assured devotees that the incident would have minimal impact on the mela. “The administration is committed to ensuring that the festival remains a celebration of faith and unity,” he said, highlighting the robust arrangements for security, water, electricity, and other facilities.
Rakesh Kaul, a devotee expressed the community’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. “Kashmiri Pandits eagerly await the day when we can visit Mata Kheer Bhawani… We have known this fear for 36 years,” Kaul said, referencing the Pahalgam attack that targeted tourists, including Hindu pilgrims. “It has become a habit now. But we have faith… The attack was saddening, but now the whole world knows what’s really happening in Kashmir.” His words reflect the enduring spirit of a community that has faced displacement and violence since the onset of militancy in the 1990s.
The Additional Resident Commissioner, Sh. Anil Sharma, flagged off a group of 21 pilgrims heading to the sacred Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal for the Kheer Bhawani mela 2025 from J&K Resident Commission,New Delhi.#KheerBhawaniMela@diprjk@CM_JnK @OfficeOfLGJandK pic.twitter.com/bkPqFuiJCV
— J&K Resident Commission New Delhi. (@jkrcnd) May 31, 2025
Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu and Kashmir, announced comprehensive arrangements for the pilgrimage. “All necessary measures, including transportation, security, and essential amenities, have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable journey,” he stated. Dr. Karwani recently visited Ganderbal, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Kupwara to review logistics with district administrations, confirming arrangements for medical camps, sanitation, community kitchens, lodging, and boarding.
In addition to the Tulmulla temple, devotees will visit five prominent shrines, including Tikker in Kupwara, Laktipora Aishmuqam in Anantnag, Mata Tripursundri Devsar in Kulgam, and Mata Kheer Bhawani Manzgam in Kulgam
