Pilgrimage – Kheer Bhawani Festival Draws Large Gathering at Tulmul Shrine
Pilgrimage – Hundreds of devotees from the Kashmiri Pandit community gathered at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmul, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most significant religious events for the community.
The sacred festival, observed on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, witnessed devotees arriving from different parts of the country. Pilgrims began reaching the shrine from Sunday itself, with many choosing to spend the night at the temple complex, engaging in prayers and devotional activities ahead of the main celebrations.
Leaders Extend Greetings on the Occasion
Marking the annual festival, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conveyed his greetings to devotees, particularly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. He expressed hope that Mata Kheer Bhawani would continue to inspire people towards righteousness and bless everyone with peace, prosperity, good health and happiness.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended his wishes to pilgrims participating in the festival. In his message, he described the Kheer Bhawani Mela as a deeply significant spiritual occasion that reflects the rich cultural and historical traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the festival represents values such as faith, devotion, harmony and peaceful coexistence, which have long been associated with the region’s shared heritage.
Symbol of Shared Traditions
The Chief Minister highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir’s identity has been shaped by cultural diversity and mutual respect among communities. He expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen communal harmony and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood across society.
He also prayed for the well-being of the people of the Union Territory and wished that the celebrations bring progress, peace and happiness to every household.
Devotees Continue Centuries-Old Tradition
The annual pilgrimage remains an emotional and spiritual occasion for Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom were displaced from the Valley during the militancy-related unrest of the 1990s. Despite living in different parts of India, families continue to return each year to pay homage at the shrine, maintaining a tradition that has been followed for generations.
Throughout the day, men, women and children offered prayers and participated in religious rituals at the temple. Vehicles carrying pilgrims from several states were seen arriving at Tulmul from the early morning hours.
Importance of the Kheer Bhawani Shrine
The Mata Kheer Bhawani temple is regarded as the most sacred place of worship for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Dedicated to Goddess Ragnya, also known as Rajna, the shrine is built around a holy spring that holds special religious significance.
The name “Kheer Bhawani” is linked to the traditional offering of kheer, a sweet dish made from milk and rice, which devotees present to the goddess as part of their prayers. The deity is widely worshipped as a protective family goddess, or Kuldevi, by many Kashmiri Pandit families.
A unique belief associated with the shrine concerns the colour of the sacred spring. Devotees believe that changes in its colour can indicate future developments in the region. Light shades, particularly pink, are considered auspicious, while darker shades are viewed as signs of difficulty or misfortune. Local elders often recall that the spring reportedly turned dark before major historical events affecting Kashmir.
Extensive Arrangements for Pilgrims
To ensure the smooth conduct of the annual gathering, the administration put in place comprehensive arrangements for devotees. Measures covering security, healthcare services, sanitation facilities and accommodation were established ahead of the event.
Security personnel were deployed along the route connecting Srinagar and Tulmul in Ganderbal district to facilitate the safe movement of pilgrims and maintain order during the festival.