New Delhi: Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits participated in the Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir under stringent security measures. Over 5,000 attendees, predominantly from the Kashmiri Pandit community, are expected at this annual festival. The four-day pilgrimage began as Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani, and notable Kashmiri Pandit leaders flagged off the devotees. Devotees departed in 176 buses for the five renowned shrines in the Kashmir Valley, singing devotional songs and chanting mantras.
What is Kheer Bhawani Peeth?
The Kheer Bhawani Peeth in Janipur, Jammu, was built as a duplicate of the original shrine in Tulmulla, located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, following the community’s mass exodus from the valley in the early 1990s. The temple is revered by Hindus, believed to have been relocated from Lanka by Lord Hanuman. Built in 1912, renovated later, it’s named for the kheer (sweet rice) offered to the goddess. Its sacred pool’s water is said to change colour during disasters. The temple promotes communal harmony, with Muslims supporting annual fairs for visiting Pandits.
The Divisional Commissioner, who flagged off the yatra, assured that all necessary arrangements along the route had been carefully planned by district administrations and relevant departments. The arrangements encompass transportation, security, accommodation, langar services and other essential facilities for the devotees.
Preparations and arrangements
The focal gathering will take place at Tulmulla (Ganderbal) on June 14, 2024, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Zyesht Ashtami. The Relief Organisation, in partnership with the district administration, has ensured all essential arrangements are in place to facilitate the pilgrimage of Mata Kheer Bhawani devotees. The yatra is scheduled to conclude and return on June 15, 2024, as announced.
Society’s vital role in pilgrimage
This year, approximately 80,000 migrant Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of India and abroad are expected to participate in the annual fair at the five renowned temples in the Valley. Members of MKBJWS also joined the pilgrims to Kashmir.
The society plays a crucial role in bridging communication between officials and the public, ensuring not only the promotion of the pilgrimage but also overseeing arrangements and coordinating with the authorities. The Society has organised dinner and tea for 6,000 pilgrims at the Central University complex in Tulmulla, Kheerbhawani, Kashmir.
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