Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits leave for Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir amid tight security

Srinagar, June 12: Over 5000 people, mostly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, embarked on their journey for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir amid tight security arrangements in place, officials said.

The four-day pilgrimage started today was flagged off by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani and other officers of the divisional administration from the Nagrota area.

The devotees left in 176 buses while singing bhajans and chanting slogans.

“More than 5000 Kashmiri Pandits departed for Kashmir to participate in Kheer Bhawani Mela. They have left Nagrota early today in 176 buses amid tight security arrangements in place,” Relief Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani told media.

The devotees were seen enthusiastic to participate in Mela Kheer Bhawani and other shrines in Kashmir valley. “We are eagerly waiting the moment to reach to the Tul Mula Ganderbal and take part in Kheer Bhawani Mela. Besides we are visiting other shrines of Kashmir valley also,” devotees expressed.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, celebrated on Zeisht Ashtami, will be held on June 14 at the shrines of Tulmulla in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Tikker in Kupwara, Laktipora Aishmuqam in Anantnag, Mata Tripursundri Devsar in Kulgam, and Mata Kheer Bhawani Manzgam in Kulgam.

Around 80,000 migrant Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the country and outside are expected to visit the five renowned temples in the valley this year.