As the sacred Kheer Bhawani Mela approaches, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal to oversee final preparations for the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to take place on June 3.
During his visit, Dulloo offered prayers at the shrine of Goddess Ragnya Devi, inspected arrangements on the ground, and held reviews with officials to ensure seamless facilities for thousands of devotees. Key areas inspected included sanitation, drinking water, electricity, accommodation, transport, and medical services.
“Close Coordination Is Crucial” – Chief Secretary
Emphasizing inter-departmental cooperation, Dulloo urged all civil and police departments to work in close coordination for the successful conduct of the festival. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and several senior officers.
Later in the day, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat also visited the temple complex to review security arrangements. DGP Prabhat, who also paid obeisance at the shrine, assured that all logistical and security measures are in place for the safe movement and stay of pilgrims.
Celebrations Across Five Temples
The Kheer Bhawani Mela will be observed at five prominent shrines of Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati:
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Tulmulla (Ganderbal)
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Manzgam (Kulgam)
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Devsar (Kulgam)
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Logripora (Anantnag)
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Tikkar (Kupwara)
Each location is expected to host vibrant spiritual gatherings and festive celebrations.
Thousands Begin Spiritual Journey from Jammu
Amid tight security, a convoy of 60 JKRTC buses carrying approximately 2,500 Kashmiri Pandit devotees left Nagrota, Jammu on Sunday morning for the Valley. The yatra was flagged off by IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya and Relief Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani, alongside senior officials.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has made arrangements for pilgrims traveling from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu, with accommodation and food provided en-route, including at Nagrota and Chandarkot.
At Vessu transit camp in Anantnag, returning pilgrims were welcomed with warmth and festivities. “We are here to welcome our brothers and sisters. The administration has done a great job,” said a camp resident.
A pilgrim shared his joy: “We were served food in Nagrota. The army helped us immensely. The arrangements have been excellent.”
Voices of Faith and Hope
At the Tulmulla temple, pilgrims spoke of hope, unity, and nostalgia. “We want to live in Kashmir again, as we once did,” said Chanda Dhar, her voice filled with emotion. “When we return here, it feels like we never left. This is our home.”
Junaid Ahmed Khadana, a local from Kangan, emphasized the spirit of communal harmony the festival embodies: “This mela is for everyone – Hindus and Muslims. It reflects our shared culture and brotherhood. We’ve set up a pandal and are here to serve.”
