Ganderbal, June 22: Thousands of devotees, mostly Kashmiri Pandits from across India and abroad, converged at the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine in Tulmulla early Monday as the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela began on Jyeshtha Ashtami.
The atmosphere was charged with chants of “Bhawani Mata Ki Jai” and a strong spirit of communal harmony. The number of devotees attending the annual Mela is seen more this year than previous years.
By sunrise, the temple complex and the sacred spring were packed with devotees offering ‘kheer’ — milk and rice — to Goddess Ragnya Devi. Many arrived overnight from Srinagar, Jammu, Delhi, and other states. Long queues formed for darshan, but volunteers and security personnel ensured smooth movement.
“This is our annual homecoming. Tulmulla feels like family. Muslim brothers here help us set up, offer water, and guide us,” said Ramesh Koul, a devotee who traveled from Jammu.
Multi-layer security by JKP, CAPF, and traffic police. CCTV and drones monitored crowds
What stood out was Tulmulla’s famed brotherhood. Local Muslim residents opened their homes for devotees, set up free tea stalls, and helped manage crowds.
“Our forefathers have protected this shrine. Kheer Bhawani is Kashmiriyat in its purest form,” said Bilal Ahmad, a local from Tulmulla serving water.
