Jammu, Jun 20: More than 9,000 pilgrims, mostly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, left Jammu for Kashmir on Saturday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela amid elaborate security arrangements.
Officials said the pilgrims departed in around 200 Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses. The convoy was flagged off jointly by Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana, Relief Commissioner (Migrants) Arvind Karwani and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, Shridhar Patil.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela will be observed on June 22 at five Ragnya Bhagwati shrines located at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Manzgam and Devsar in Kulgam, Logripora in Anantnag and Tikkar in Kupwara. The historic Tulmulla shrine, shaded by towering Chinar trees, attracts the largest gathering of devotees from across the country and abroad.
Officials said comprehensive security, transport, accommodation and medical arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. They also noted that this year’s turnout is significantly higher than in recent years, reflecting growing enthusiasm among devotees.
After flagging off the convoy, Rana wished the pilgrims a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey, expressing hope that Goddess Ragnya Devi would bless them with peace, prosperity and harmony. Many pilgrims described the yatra as a deep spiritual and emotional connection with their roots and prayed for peace, prosperity and the return of the displaced community to the Valley. The pilgrims are scheduled to return to Jammu on June 23 after offering prayers at the shrines. (Agencies)
