Ganderbal, June 22: Thousands of devotees, including members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from different parts of the country, gathered at the historic Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday to participate in the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, observed on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
The revered shrine witnessed a massive influx of devotees from the early hours of the day as worshippers offered prayers and sought the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani. The temple premises echoed with religious hymns, prayers and spiritual fervour, creating an atmosphere of devotion and faith.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the shrine and paid obeisance on the occasion. He offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with devotees and extended his greetings on the sacred occasion.
Speaking on the sidelines of the mela, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, said that comprehensive arrangements had been made to facilitate devotees and ensure the smooth conduct of the annual festival.
He said the district administration, in coordination with various departments, had put in place adequate facilities including healthcare services, sanitation, drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, transportation and security measures.
“The annual mela holds immense religious significance and all necessary arrangements have been ensured for the convenience and comfort of devotees,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Kishore further informed that preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra have also been completed, with all concerned departments working in close coordination to provide a safe, secure and hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
Senior civil and police officers remained present throughout the day to oversee the arrangements. Elaborate security deployments and traffic management plans were implemented to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the festival.
Devotees expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration and prayed for lasting peace, communal harmony and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, one of the most significant religious gatherings of the Kashmiri Pandit community, concluded peacefully amid an atmosphere of devotion, brotherhood and cultural harmony at the historic Tulmulla shrine in Ganderbal district. (KNC)
