Over 9,000 Kashmiri Pandits Leave Jammu for Kheer Bhawani Mela

More than 9,000 pilgrims, predominantly Kashmiri Pandits, departed from Jammu for Kashmir on Saturday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela , one of the most significant religious gatherings of the community. The turnout exceeded earlier registration estimates, reflecting growing enthusiasm for the pilgrimage and a deep connection with the community's cultural roots.

Travelling in nearly 200 Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation buses, the devotees left under elaborate security arrangements . The convoy was flagged off by BJP MLA Devyani Rana, Relief Commissioner (Migrants) Arvind Karwani and DIG Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range Shridhar Patil.

The mela will be observed on June 22 at five Ragnya Bhagwati shrines across Kashmir, including the revered Tulmulla temple in Ganderbal district, the principal venue of the festival. Dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi , an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the shrine is regarded as the holiest place of worship for Kashmiri Pandits. Built around a sacred spring believed by devotees to change colour, the temple attracts worshippers who offer kheer (rice pudding) and pray for peace, prosperity and family well-being.

Ahead of the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed preparations at Tulmulla and directed officials to complete all pending works. Authorities have also conducted a multi-agency security review involving police, central armed forces and intelligence agencies to ensure route protection, crowd management and emergency response readiness.

Officials said comprehensive transport, accommodation and medical facilities have been arranged for devotees. Many pilgrims described the journey as both a spiritual pilgrimage and an emotional return to their ancestral homeland. Several said they would pray for peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, while others expressed hope for the return of the displaced community to the Valley.

After offering prayers on Monday, the pilgrims are scheduled to return to Jammu on June 23.