Thousands of devotees throng Tulmulla shrine; LG, CM, Mehbooba join celebrations; locals extend warm hospitality
Sheikh Anees
Ganderbal: Amid an atmosphere of devotion, spirituality and communal harmony, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from across the country gathered at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district on Monday to celebrate the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
The annual pilgrimage witnessed a massive influx of devotees, including members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai and several other parts of the country. Hundreds of pilgrims also arrived in escorted convoys from Jammu to pay obeisance at the historic shrine dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi.
For many devotees, the occasion was not merely a religious gathering but an emotional return to their ancestral homeland. Families reunited with old friends and neighbours while revisiting cherished memories associated with the Valley.
“It is a homecoming for us. We find solace and peace of mind once we enter our birthplace,” said Avtar Kishan, a Kashmiri Pandit devotee, while expressing his emotions at the shrine.
“Every visit to Mata Kheer Bhawani feels like a reunion with our roots. Though we have lived outside Kashmir for decades, the fragrance of this soil, the sight of the chinar trees and the blessings of the Goddess make us feel that we have never truly left our homeland,” said Renu Devi, a devotee from Jammu.
“When I entered the shrine premises, tears rolled down my face. I remembered my childhood, my home, my neighbours and the beautiful days we spent in the Valley. This pilgrimage is not just a religious journey; it is an emotional return to our memories,” said Shobha Kaul, a devotee from Delhi.
Sanjay Razdan, a displaced Kashmiri Pandit, added, “I brought my children here so they could see the land of their ancestors. We want the younger generation to understand their roots, culture and traditions. Mata Kheer Bhawani is not just a temple for us; it is a symbol of our identity.”
The festival was marked by special prayers, religious rituals and offerings of milk, sugar candy, raisins and clarified butter at the sacred spring within the temple complex. Devotional hymns and chants echoed throughout the shrine as devotees prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of humanity.
The historic Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, situated beside a sacred spring believed by devotees to change colours on significant occasions, remains one of the most revered religious sites for Kashmiri Pandits and attracts thousands of worshippers every year.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the shrine and offered prayers on the occasion. Extending his greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community, the Lieutenant Governor prayed for peace, happiness, good health and prosperity for all. He lauded the spirit of devotion displayed by devotees and emphasised the importance of preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his greetings to devotees and expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen communal harmony, brotherhood and the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, accompanied by her daughter Iltija Mufti, also visited the holy shrine and offered prayers. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the mela, Mehbooba expressed happiness over the participation of Kashmiri Pandits in the annual festival.
“I am very happy to see our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters arriving here. They should look towards the future and forget what happened in the past,” she said.
Mehbooba further appealed to young Kashmiri Pandit professionals, particularly doctors, to reconnect with their roots and contribute to society in Kashmir.
“I believe young Kashmiri Pandit doctors should come to Kashmir and connect with people here. Doctors like Dr Sameer Kaul, Dr Upendra Kaul and Dr Sushil Razdan should come to Kashmir and reconnect with its people,” she added.
The annual mela once again reflected the Valley’s age-old tradition of communal harmony and coexistence. Muslim residents of Tulmulla and adjoining areas warmly welcomed devotees and extended hospitality, reinforcing the spirit of Kashmiriyat that has long been associated with the festival.
Many residents actively participated in facilitating arrangements for the pilgrims and were seen interacting with visiting devotees, highlighting the strong bonds that continue to exist between communities despite decades of displacement and separation.
For the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, the festival holds profound emotional significance. Many devotees described the pilgrimage as a powerful connection to their heritage, culture and ancestral roots, which they continue to cherish despite living outside the Valley for decades.
“The warmth shown by local people here touches our hearts every year. It gives us hope and reminds us that the spirit of brotherhood and Kashmiriyat is still alive,” said Sunita Bhat, a devotee from Pune.
“No matter where we live, our hearts continue to beat for Kashmir. Every prayer offered at Mata Kheer Bhawani carries a hope for peace, reconciliation and a brighter future for all communities in the Valley,” said an elderly pilgrim from Ghaziabad.
To ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the event, authorities put in place elaborate security and logistical arrangements. Multi-layered security cover comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, CCTV surveillance systems and drone monitoring was deployed across the shrine and surrounding areas.
Healthcare facilities, sanitation services, drinking water arrangements, transportation assistance and other essential amenities were also established for the convenience of the devotees.