Jammu, June 20: More than 9,000 pilgrims, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, departed from Jammu for the famed Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir on Saturday.
With pilgrim participation significantly higher this year, officials anticipate a substantial turnout at the Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most important religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The pilgrims left for the valley in 200 J&K Road Transport Corporation buses, amid elaborate security arrangements, the officials said.
The convoy was jointly flagged off by BJP MLA from Nagrota Devyani Rana, Relief Commissioner (Migrants) Arvind Karwani and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, Shridhar Patil.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela will be held at five Ragnya Bhagwati shrines at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Manzgam and Devsar in Kulgam district, and Logripora in Anantnag district of south Kashmir and Tikkar in northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district on June 22.
Among these temples, the Tulmulla temple nestled in the shade of mammoth Chinar trees witnesses massive gatherings, with devotees from across the world visiting the shrine.
After ‘darshan’ at the temples on Monday, the pilgrims will return to Jammu a day later.
After flagging off the convoy, Nagrota MLA Rana told PTI, “I am delighted and deeply honoured to flag off the (convoy of) devotees for the second consecutive year. The overwhelming response to this year’s pilgrimage reflects the unwavering faith of the devotees and their enduring spiritual bond with the revered Kheer Bhawani shrine.”
“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching journey. May Goddess Ragnya Devi bless them with good health, happiness and prosperity, and may their prayers bring peace and harmony to Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
DIG Patil and Karwani said comprehensive security, transport, accommodation and medical arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.
They said the turnout of pilgrims this year has been significantly higher than in recent years, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among devotees to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
Many pilgrims expressed happiness at being able to undertake the annual journey to the valley.
“Kheer Bhawani is not just a religious occasion, it is an emotional and spiritual connection with our roots. We pray for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir,” said a pilgrim, Ravinder Sadhu, before boarding the convoy.
Another pilgrim, Neelam Kumari, said she is happy to join the caravan and offer her prayers at the temple to seek blessings and pray for the prosperity of the country and J&K, besides the return of the displaced community to the valley.
Another pilgrim said the large participation this year demonstrates the deep reverence the community holds for the shrine.
“The turnout has been remarkable. It shows that despite the passage of time, our bond with the shrine and our cultural heritage remains strong,” said the pilgrim, Simran.
