Ganderbal: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple, offered prayers and reviewed arrangements for the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela scheduled to be held on June 22. During the visit, he assessed the facilities being put in place for devotees expected to attend the annual religious event.
The chief minister, who also represents the Ganderbal constituency, interacted with temple priests and local administration officials to evaluate the preparedness for the festival. He reviewed ongoing works and sought details on measures being taken to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for pilgrims.
Chief minister takes stock of arrangements
Speaking to the media during his visit, Abdullah said devotees from across the country and abroad are expected to gather at the shrine to seek the blessings of the goddess on the occasion of the Kheer Bhawani Mela. He said he had visited the temple to assess preparations and identify any remaining requirements before the festival begins.
After discussions with temple priests, the chief minister noted that a few additional works were required and assured that efforts would be made to complete them before June 22. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support for the successful conduct of the annual event.
Significance of Kheer Bhawani Mela
The Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most important religious festivals for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is held annually at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district and is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, a revered form of Goddess Durga. The shrine is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Kashmiri Hindus.
The festival derives its name from ‘kheer’, a traditional milk and rice pudding offered to the deity as part of the worship rituals. Thousands of devotees typically visit the temple during the annual mela to participate in prayers and religious ceremonies.
Focus on smooth conduct of festival
The administration has intensified preparations ahead of the June 22 celebrations, with arrangements being made for security, sanitation, transportation and other essential services for pilgrims. The chief minister’s visit was aimed at ensuring that all facilities are in place before devotees begin arriving in large numbers.
The annual mela remains an important cultural and spiritual event, drawing members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from different parts of the country and serving as a symbol of faith and tradition in the Kashmir Valley.