Reminiscing traditional fervour, Tulmulla embraced over 2 lakh Kheer Bhawani pilgrims in 2024

Ganderbal, Jan 14: Recreating a buzz and fanfare, as many as two lakh pilgrims visited the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district during the year 2024. As per official data, nearly 2.14 lakh pilgrims visited and paid obeisance at Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla Ganderbal in 2024, surpassing the previous footfall of f 1.90 lakh pilgrims in 2023.

Thousand of devotees throng Kheer Bhawani temple associated with the Ragnya Devi, a revered goddess of Kashmiri Pandits, located in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district every year to attend the annual mela and participate in the Kheer Bhawani Mela, which is one of the Kashmiri Pandits' biggest religious annual events dedicated to Ragnya Devi.

The temple management says the number of pilgrims is expected to further increase in coming years.

For the convenience of the pilgrims, the government is constructing a Yatri Niwas which will be a G+2 framed structure, a building with a ground floor and two additional floors above it, that will solve the issue of space requirements for the pilgrims during Mela Kheer Bhawani to a great extent.

The building will accommodate almost 900 to 1000 pilgrims and is being constructed at an allotted cost of Rs 2.80 crore, the temple management added. There has been a significant improvement in the facilities provided to pilgrims here compared to earlier times, and the pilgrims are satisfied with the arrangements being made.

Local residents are also contributing here, ensuring that pilgrims have the best possible experience, reflecting the selfless service of these individuals to devotees from various parts of the country. Some visitors even reconnect with those who used to be their neighbours long ago when they lived here. Locals mentioned that the increased number of pilgrims has led to a boost in economic activities around the temple, creating employment opportunities for the local population.

Manzoor Wani, convenor of Civil Society Tullamulla, urged for better facilities to enhance the pilgrim experience. "Improved road connectivity, expanded parking, upgraded restrooms, and enhanced accommodation are essential to cater to the increasing number of visitors. These developments will not only benefit pilgrims but also boost tourism in the region," he said.

Shujat Rashid, Chairman of Civil Society Tulmulla, said: "Our society remains committed to promoting peace, humanity, and brotherhood while ensuring the well-being of pilgrims," he stated. With collaborative efforts from civil society and local authorities, Tulmulla is poised to become a thriving hub for spiritual tourism, enriching the experience of visitors and driving regional growth.