Thousands of Devotees Offer Prayers at Sacred Temple; LG Manoj Sinha, Top Political Leaders Join Celebrations as Emotional Pandit-Muslim Reunions Define the Festival
Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal, June 22(AN) : In a heartwarming display of faith, devotion and communal harmony, the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani was celebrated with immense religious fervour at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday.
Thousands of devotees, predominantly Kashmiri Pandits from across Jammu and Kashmir and various parts of the country, thronged the historic temple of Goddess Ragnya Devi to offer prayers and participate in traditional rituals. The temple complex, adorned with colourful decorations and shaded by majestic centuries-old Chinar trees, echoed with devotional hymns as pilgrims offered milk and kheer at the sacred spring, a ritual deeply associated with the annual festival.
The mela once again emerged as a living embodiment of Kashmiriyat, with members of the local Muslim community extending a warm welcome to visiting devotees. Local residents set up stalls offering flowers, puja items, refreshments and other essentials, while many volunteered assistance to pilgrims, reflecting the Valley’s enduring culture of hospitality, brotherhood and coexistence.
District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, said the successful conduct of the mela reflected the region’s rich legacy of communal harmony and shared cultural heritage.
“Mela Kheer Bhawani is not merely a religious occasion but a celebration of our collective heritage and the spirit of unity that defines Kashmir. The overwhelming cooperation from all sections of society reflects the true essence of Kashmiriyat,” he said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama (IPS), extended his greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community and the people of Ganderbal, praying for lasting peace, prosperity and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmir.
Several devotees expressed deep emotions while revisiting the temple and reconnecting with their roots.
“Every visit to Kheer Bhawani fills our hearts with peace and devotion. Coming here feels like returning to our spiritual home. The affection and respect shown by local residents make this occasion even more special,” said a devotee from Jammu.
Another pilgrim remarked, “Kheer Bhawani is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of our identity, memories and heritage. Seeing people from different communities come together here strengthens our faith in the spirit of Kashmiriyat.”
The district administration had made elaborate arrangements, including medical camps, sanitation facilities, transportation support, drinking water services and comprehensive security measures to ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
This year’s mela witnessed a significantly larger turnout compared to previous years. One of the most touching aspects of the celebration was the emotional reunion of several Kashmiri Pandit families with their Muslim neighbours and friends after years apart. The heartfelt interactions, marked by tears, smiles and shared memories, transformed the occasion into a powerful reminder of Kashmir’s shared history and collective aspirations.
The sacred spring within the temple complex, believed by devotees to reflect the goddess’s mood through changes in the colour of its water, continued to attract immense spiritual significance and devotion.
In a significant show of solidarity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the temple and paid obeisance, offering prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Several prominent political leaders also visited the temple, including BJP Jammu and Kashmir President Sat Paul Sharma, National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, along with several other political, social and religious dignitaries.
Their presence underscored the cultural, spiritual and social significance of the festival and reinforced the message of unity, inclusiveness and mutual respect that Mela Kheer Bhawani continues to represent.
As prayers concluded and devotees began their journey home, the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani once again stood as a beacon of hope, resilience and shared heritage—celebrating the timeless values of faith, harmony and Kashmiriyat that continue to unite the people of the Valley (AN).
