Shrine witnesses’ emotional scenes, Muslims greet visiting Kashmiri Pandits
Srinagar, Jun 22: Thousands of devotees gathered at the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal on Monday to celebrate Jyeshtha Ashtami offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and across the world.
According to the details available, devotees began arriving at the shrine from the early hours of the day to offer prayers and seek blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani. The temple complex witnessed a large turnout amid an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual fervour.
Pertinently, the event is one of the most important religious festivals of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The festival marks the appearance day of Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati. It is celebrated at several shrines dedicated to the deity across Kashmir, including Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla, Tripur Sundari at Devsar, Ragnya Bhagwati at Manzgam, Loktipora and Tikker.
A devotee, Ashish Nand Bhatt, expressed pride in his Kashmiri heritage and said his ancestors had served as priests at the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine. He said he had come to seek the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani and pray for peace and prosperity.
The shrine complex remained packed throughout the day as devotees offered prayers, lit earthen lamps and chanted hymns in praise of the Goddess. Long queues were witnessed outside the temple, the yagya shala and community kitchens amid the heavy rush of pilgrims.
Emotional scenes unfolded at the shrine as Muslims warmly greeted visiting Kashmiri Pandits, rekindling memories of their shared past and centuries-old bonds of coexistence.
Many displaced Pandits who had come to the Valley for the annual pilgrimage met former neighbours and friends, turning the religious gathering into an occasion of reunion and remembrance.
Several similar reunions were witnessed at the shrine complex as members of the two communities exchanged greetings, recalled old times and expressed hope for the return of peace and harmony in Kashmir.
The scenes of Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits embracing each other drew attention from pilgrims and visitors alike, reflecting Kashmir’s traditional ethos of communal harmony and brotherhood.
A devotee, Ashish Nand Bhatt, said he was proud of his Kashmiri roots and had come to seek the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani. “I pray for peace, prosperity and brotherhood in Kashmir. The mela is not only a religious gathering but also a symbol of our deep connection with this land,” he said.
Another devotee from Jammu, Sunita Raina, said she visits the shrine every year and feels spiritually uplifted. “The atmosphere here is divine and peaceful. We pray for happiness, good health and lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Pilgrims praised authorities for putting in place comprehensive security, traffic regulation, healthcare, sanitation and other essential services to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual festival.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who visited the shrine, extended greetings to devotees and said elaborate arrangements had been put in place for pilgrims visiting Kheer Bhawani temples across Kashmir, including Tulmulla, Mansgam, Devsar, Logripora and Tikkar.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi extended greetings to devotees on the occasion and expressed hope that the festival would promote peace, harmony, spiritual strength and communal brotherhood.
Sinha prays for peace, prosperity, well-being of all
Srinagar, Jun 22 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of all at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla in Ganderbal on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
Talking to reporters after paying obeisance at the revered shrine, here in Central Kashmir, LG Sinha said, “Today, I prayed for the well-being, peace and prosperity of all. May the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani be upon everyone. This year, the number of devotees visiting the holy shrine is higher compared to previous years. The administration has made comprehensive and foolproof arrangements to ensure the convenience, safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage for all devotees.”
The Lieutenant Governor extended his greetings to devotees and wished that the blessings of Mata Ragnya Devi continue to guide everyone towards harmony, progress and spiritual fulfilment.
Interacting with Kashmiri Pandit Community members, the Lieutenant Governor assured that the comprehensive arrangements have been successfully put in place to ensure a seamless and spiritual experience for everyone.
The Lieutenant Governor also met representatives of various Kashmiri Pandit organisations, PM Package employees and civil society delegations. He listened to their concerns and assured them of the Administration’s commitment towards ensuring their welfare.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; Dr Arvind Karwani, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner; senior officials of police and civil administration and heads of Kashmiri Pandit organizations.
Kashmiri Pandits seek return to homeland
Srinagar, Jun 22: The annual Kheer Bhawani festival in Kupwara district on Monday became a platform for Kashmiri Pandits to voice their longing for a return to their homeland. Many devotees urged the government to facilitate their rehabilitation and called upon local communities to help rebuild the bonds that once defined Kashmir’s social fabric.
According to the news agency, hundreds of devotees gathered at the revered shrine of Ragnya Devi at Tikker village to celebrate Zeisht Ashtami, one of the most significant religious occasions for the Kashmiri Pandit community. For many pilgrims, the visit was deeply emotional, as it brought back memories of their ancestral homes and renewed hopes of returning to the Valley.
Devotees appreciated the arrangements made by the administrations, including Kupwara and Baramulla, and thanked residents for their hospitality and support during the festival. Many said such gestures strengthen their belief that coexistence and reconciliation remain possible.
Krishna, a devotee originally from Anantnag, said the displaced community continues to aspire for a permanent return to Kashmir and urged the government to take concrete steps in that direction.
“We want to come back to our homeland. The government must create conditions that facilitate our return and rehabilitation. For years, promises have been made, but now practical measures are needed,” he said.
