In the midst of intense security, Around 5,000 people—mostly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community left from here on Wednesday to attend the yearly Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir.
The four-day pilgrimage started today with Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani and prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders flagging off the pilgrimage from the Nagrota area.
Annually, worshippers arrive to seek the blessings of Goddess Mata Kheer Bhawani, also known as Mata Ragnya Devi. The Goddess Mata Kheer Bhawani’s devotees fast and congregate here on the eighth day of the full moon in May or June, when the Goddess is said to change the color of the spring’s waters, which are attributed to various forms of the Goddess.
176 buses left for the 5 Shrines amid tight security arrangements while Singing Bhajans and chanting mantras.
“Over 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits left for Kashmir to take part in Kheerbhawani mela. They have left Nagrota early today in 176 buses amid tight security arrangements,” Relief Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani said.
One follower stated of the latest terror assaults in Jammu, “We do not fear these terrorist attacks.” How much longer shall we live in fear? The goddess Mata is watching over us.
Jammu region witnessed three terror attacks in as many days since Sunday.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, celebrated on Zeisht Ashtami, will be held on June 14 at the shrines of Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Laktipora Aishmuqam in Anantnag, Mata Tripursundri Devsar in Kulgam, and Mata Kheerbhawani Manzgam also in Kulgam.
This year, an estimated 80,000 migrant Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of India and abroad are expected to visit the five renowned temples in the Valley during the annual fair.
