TULMULLA (GANDERBAL): Tulmulla, Ganderbal: Hundreds of devoted Kashmiri Pandits congregated at the revered Ragnya Devi temple in the heart of Kashmir’s Ganderbal district this Friday. The atmosphere reverberated with the echoes of religious hymns and temple bells amidst the sprawling chinar trees of Tulmulla village.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela, a cornerstone of the Kashmiri Pandit community’s religious calendar, drew a significant crowd, with devotees traveling from far and wide across the nation to participate.
Legend holds that the color of the spring water flowing beneath the temple reflects the valley’s fortunes, with darker hues portending ominous times for Kashmir.
The mela unfolded smoothly, under the watchful eye of elaborate security measures, as devotees thronged the temple grounds. Notably, the event also underscored communal harmony, with local Muslims actively involved in facilitating arrangements, from erecting stalls for offerings to ensuring the comfort of pilgrims.
Local resident Ali Mohammad Baba shared sentiments of joy at the presence of Kashmiri Pandits, expressing a longing for their enduring return to the valley.
Echoing this sentiment, Kashmiri Pandit Ashok Bhat celebrated the enduring spirit of ‘Kashmiriyat’, emphasizing the unbroken bonds of care and affection shared with Muslim neighbors.
For many attendees, the mela evoked a deep sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the comforting embrace of their homeland.
As devotees dispersed, they carried with them not only blessings but also a renewed hope for a future where communal harmony thrives, fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the valley.