Srinagar, June 1: As the sacred annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela draws near, large numbers of pilgrims have begun arriving in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, undeterred by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
With unwavering faith in the Indian Armed Forces, devotees, particularly from the Kashmiri Pandit community, are preparing to celebrate one of their most revered festivals on June 3 at the historic temple of Ragnya Devi in Tullamulla.
The shrine, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi — a reincarnation of Goddess Durga — becomes a focal point of religious fervour each year as devotees from across India and abroad converge for the Mela.
Despite heightened tensions following the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror incident, the spirit of the pilgrims remains unshaken.
Extensive security arrangements have been deployed across the region to ensure the safety of the devotees. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures — including drinking water supply and essential amenities — are in place to provide a worry-free experience for pilgrims.
Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom were displaced during the 1990 exodus, have expressed that their devotion remains stronger than ever.
They also lauded the Indian government and armed forces for launching ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the Pahalgam attack, calling it a fitting reply to Pakistan-backed terrorism.
“The terrorists tried to spread fear, but our devotion has only grown,” said a pilgrim from Chandigarh said. “They want to derail tourism, but Kashmir is a part of India. We will keep coming here. No one can frighten us.”
Another devotee, Sunita, who migrated to Delhi during the 1990s, expressed deep emotional resonance on returning to the shrine for the first time.
“We’re not scared even after the terror attack. Mata Kheer Bhawani called us. We are here because of her and because of PM Modi. This is all possible because of him,” she said.
Umar Raina, another pilgrim, said, “We only pray that Kashmiri Pandits are able to come back to their motherland. We want peace to prevail in Kashmir and to return to our homes.”
Sharing similar sentiments, Shriti Dhar, a regular visitor to the Mela, said, “Our armed forces have always protected us. We are proud of them. The arrangements this year are really good. We’ve witnessed violence since our childhood, and the Indian Armed Forces have always been our shield.”
Meanwhile, top officials, including IGP Jammu and Kashmir Police, DC Jammu Sachin, and Relief Commissioner Arvind, flagged off the Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra in Jammu.
CS, DGP review security for Kheer Bhawani
Srinagar, June 1: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat on Sunday reviewed the security ahead of the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani festival in Tullamulla town of Ganderbal district.
Officials said that in preparation for the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tullamulla town of Ganderbal, DGP, Nalin Prabhat visited the deity’s temple on Sunday to assess the security arrangements. The annual festival starts on June 3.
Accompanied by the DIG (Central Kashmir), SSP Ganderbal, and SSP Traffic Rural, the DGP reviewed the on-ground situation to ensure a peaceful and incident-free pilgrimage.
Later in the day, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo also arrived at the temple to inspect the preparations.
Speaking to media persons, the chief secretary said: “All the arrangements have been put in place. Adequate security measures have also been ensured for the safe and peaceful commencement of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela.”
Both the DGP and the Chief Secretary offered prayers at the temple, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
Officials reiterated their commitment to providing a smooth and secure experience for all devotees attending the annual pilgrimage.
The Mela, one of the most important religious gatherings for the Kashmiri Pandit community, attracts devotees from across the country.
Dedicated to Mata Ragnya, believed to be the reincarnation of goddess Durga, the temple shrine has a sacred spring. Devotees believe that the colour of the spring water on the annual festival foretells the coming events of the year.
Elders in Tullamulla town say that in 1947, when the tribal raiders invaded Kashmir, the colour of the spring water was dark black. Pink or milky colour is believed to be auspicious.
Legend has it that, annoyed by the licentious deeds of Ravana, Mata Ragnya directed Hanuman to relocate her deity to Tullamulla town from Sri Lanka.
Muslims of Tullamulla town serve milk in earthen pots to the Kashmiri Pandit devotees on their arrival at the temple shrine.
