Latest news with #MataKheerBhawani
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Leaders hail Kheer Bhawani mela gathering, seek Pandits' return to Valley
A large number of Hindu devotees, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, converged at Tulmulla to take part in prayers and celebrations during the annual fair at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in central Kashmir's Ganderbal on Tuesday. Owing to the fear perception after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the footfall of people was less than the past few years. Leaders from different parties hailed the gathering and also called for return of Pandits to the Valley. Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, who participated in the prayers, said this was the biggest gathering in Kashmir at any place since the Pahalgam attack on April 22. As many as 26 people, including 25 tourists, were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam in south Kashmir in April, triggering the flight of thousands of tourists out of the Valley. Sinha said the preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra were also complete. 'Amarnath yatra preparations have been completed from security perspectives as well. I request the devotees to come (in good numbers),' he said. Surrounded by Chinar trees, the Kheer Bhawani temple houses Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi at Tulmulla village, about 27 km from Srinagar, and welcomes the biggest Hindu festival to be celebrated in the Kashmir Valley second only to the Amarnath yatra. A devotee from Srinagar, Ayush said the mela was affected owing to the threat perception after the Pahalgam attack. 'This time the number of participants are one-third of what used to come,' he said. Last year, the officials had said that 30,000 pilgrims visited while in 2023, 33,000 pilgrims had participated in the mela. The atmosphere was also reflective of the communal harmony owing to the presence of a number of local Muslims in and outside the Hindu shrine. Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah visited the shrine. 'We will continue to live in this brotherhood. We met our brothers and sisters and spread a message of happiness,' Farooq Abdullah said. 'Pandits' presence at the Mela Kheer Bhawani in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack is a befitting reply to perpetrators,' Farooq said. Mehbooba Mufti advocated for the return of Kashmir Pandits, urging for the start of political process with Pandits playing their role. 'J&K is incomplete without them,' she said. BJP general secretary Ashok Kaul said, 'It felt good seeing many people here. After the Pahalgam attack, there was a pause and people coming here filled that gap,' he said. J&K Congress chief Tariq Karra also visited the shrine and said that the people coming for the mela was a perfect answer to Pahalgam attackers. Karra said return of Kashmiri Pandits can't happen by just cosmetic measures. 'We need to politically empower them. We want their seats to be reserved for contesting the assembly elections,' he said. Local Kashmiri Muslims took care of the Kheer Bhawani shrine after the exodus of a majority of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley during the first wave of militancy in early 1990s. The temple has attracted more devotees since 2008, as the militancy waned.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Farooq, Mehbooba, Karra join Pandit devotees at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir
Prominent Jammu and Kashmir leaders, including Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference (NC), Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Tariq Hameed Karra of the Congress, on Tuesday joined hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits in paying obeisance at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple on the occasion of Jyeshta Ashtami, amid the sense of unease and fear that was spread by the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Dr. Abdullah, accompanied by his senior party colleagues, drove to Ganderbal district in central Kashmir in the morning, and joined devotees at the temple. 'We took the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani. We are living in harmony; we will be living in harmony. We sent a message of happiness,' the NC president said. Mingling with the Pandit devotees, mainly those who fled the Kashmir Valley in the face of militancy in the 1990s, Dr. Abdullah prayed that the Kheer Bhawani Mela (fair) turn out to be a 'starting point for displaced brothers and sisters to return and settle down in Kashmir again'. 'Land and houses should be provided to Kashmiri Pandits. The government and the Centre should do the needful for their peaceful return. The situation is not the same as when former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ensured employment for thousands of Kashmiri Pandits by offering them government jobs in Kashmir for their peaceful return,' Dr. Abdullah said. Claiming that there was a sense of fear among devotees visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu after the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, Dr. Abdullah appealed to people to visit the shrine. 'Don't fear. Visit the shrine,' he said. Ms. Mufti too joined the Pandit devotees in the visit to the shrine, and extended her wishes to the community on the occasion. She also paid floral tributes at the Kheer Bhawani temple pond, which is considered an auspicious ritual by the Pandit community. 'The PDP has always believed that guns or military interventions are not the solution. There should be a political process, that process cannot be completed until our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters return with due respect and settle here,' the former J&K CM said. She said Kashmiri Pandits were an essential part of Kashmir. 'Pandits should return to Kashmir with dignity. They are an integral part of Kashmir. They have stakes in Kashmir,' Ms. Mufti said. Mr. Karra said the mela was 'a reflection of communal harmony, despite attempts to divide'. 'All communities stand united here. It is a reflection of the fact that Mahatma Gandhi also saw a ray of hope in Kashmir at the time of the Partition. Our [late] Prime Minister Manmohan Singh created a package that can still help in resolving the issues of Pandits, and ensuring their dignified return,' Mr. Karra said. The Kheer Bhawani Mela is the first major Hindu festival to take place in the Valley after the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. The incident has cast its shadow on the fair, evident in the thin attendance when compared with 2024. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, however, termed the gathering a good omen. 'Devotees have come in large numbers to attend the Kheer Bhawani Mela. This is a good sign. This is the first time after April 22 that such a crowd has gathered at a place,' Mr. Sinha said. He said all the preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which beings on July 3, were complete. 'Security arrangements have also been finalised. I appeal to devotees from across the country to come and take Baba's (Lord Shiva's) blessings,' Mr. Sinha added. Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, in a statement said an interfaith dialogue 'must evolve into a moral movement rooted in justice — because peace without justice is just a pause, no more'. 'I urged faith leaders to rise above nationalism, protect diversity, and uphold the moral duty of the majorities towards the minorities. From Palestine to Kashmir, only justice, dialogue, and mutual respect can bring lasting peace, and end human suffering,' he said.
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
J-K: LG Sinha, CM Omar extend greetings to people on Mela Kheer Bhawani
'On the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, I extend my heartiest greetings to everyone, especially our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters,' the LG said. Mela Kheer Bhawani is being celebrated on Jyeshtha Ashtami on Tuesday. Srinagar, Jun 2 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani, with Abdullah expressing hope the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community will return to the valley with honour and dignity. 'May the divine blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani continue to illuminate our paths, ushering in peace, happiness, and prosperity for all. May the spirit of this sacred occasion further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, fostering harmony and mutual respect across the communities. 'Let us on this auspicious day dedicate ourselves to selfless service to the nation and the welfare of people,' he said. Chief Minister Abdullah also extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion, an official spokesperson said. In his message, the chief minister said the festival is a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood, reflecting the rich pluralistic ethos that has defined Jammu and Kashmir for centuries. Abdullah emphasized that such festivals reinforce the spirit of unity and the cultural heritage that binds the people of together. 'The Chief Minister prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the state and urged all sections of society to strengthen the age-old bonds of togetherness and mutual respect,' the spokesperson said. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Abdullah noted that Mela Kheer Bhawani has always stood as an epitome of inter-community harmony. The CM expressed hope that with the return of peace, Kashmiri Pandits would come back to their homeland with honour and dignity, reclaiming their rightful place in the valley's social and cultural fabric, the spokesperson said. PTI SSB KVK KVK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- India Gazette
J-K: Undeterred by terror, pilgrims flock to Kheer Bhawani shrine in Kashmir
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 1 (ANI): Despite prevailing fear in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor following that, devotees in large numbers are visiting the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. Pilgrims, including many Kashmiri Pandits, expressed unwavering faith and said such attacks cannot deter their devotion. The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela will begin on June 3, 2025, at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. Authorities assured that elaborate security and logistical arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Rajesh Jyotsi, a devotee, said, 'Mata Kheer Bhawani is our Kul Devi, and it's our sacred duty to visit her. We don't fear anything--this is our land. Attacks like these keep happening, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to come and seek blessings.' A first-time visitor, Saroj, also echoed a similar sentiment. 'This is my first visit. I had heard a great deal about this place. We are not afraid; these attacks are only meant to instill fear, and we must stand strong. I am not scared. There is no fear in visiting Mata. The Pahalgam attack was unfortunate, but tourists should go. So, we should not be afraid.' Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, stated that the government has ensured all necessary facilities are provided to the pilgrims. 'We've made arrangements for food, medical assistance, sanitation, and accommodation. There is also a halt facility at Ramban, where arrangements have been made. Over 60 buses have been deployed for the pilgrimage, and more are being added.' Jammu SSP Joginder Singh said that security and other arrangements were in place to ensure a peaceful and smooth yatra. 'I extend best wishes to all pilgrims on this sacred occasion,' he said. Rakesh Kaul, another devotee, highlighted the emotional bond of the Kashmiri Pandit community with the shrine. 'Our connection with Mata Kheer Bhawani is age-old. We wait the entire year for this visit. People from across India are coming despite the prevailing fear of the last 36 years. The situation remains tough, but our faith in God is stronger. Those who are spiritually inclined should come and experience this.' The Mata Kheer Bhawani annual mela takes place at the famous Ragnya Devi temple in village Tulmulla, 25 kilometres off Srinagar. 'Kheer', a milk and rice pudding, is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as 'Milk Goddess'. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; most of them worship her as their protective patron deity, Kuladevi. This event follows the attack in Pahalgam that occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and leaving several others injured. The victims were picked on based on their religion. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. In response, India carried out precision strikes through Operation Sindoor on May 7 on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, in which 26 people were killed. India also effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- India Gazette
All arrangements in place for Kheer Bhawani Mela: Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 1 (ANI): Preparations for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3, are in full swing. Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Kirwani said that all necessary arrangements have been made for the devotees travelling from Jammu to the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, in the Kashmir valley. 'All required arrangements are in place, including transport facilities for people displaced from Jammu. District Administration has made living arrangements, health facilities, food, and a 10-bedded hospital for the passengers going to Ganderbal.' Commissioner Kirwani told ANI. Facilities include transport, accommodation, food, health services, and a 10-bed hospital, with a stopover in Ramban equipped with food and toilet facilities. Over 60 buses have been arranged, and robust security measures, including paramilitary forces, are in place for the devotees' safety en route and at the destination. 'The passengers will halt in Ramban. Food and toilet facilities have been placed there, too... We have arranged for more than 60 buses to go to Kheer Bhawani... Appropriate security arrangements have been ensured for the devotees en route and at their destination. Para-military forces are in place too,' Commissioner Kirwani informed. Earlier in the day, Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar and IGP Bhim Singh flagged off over 60 buses transporting devotees to the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela. Despite prevailing fear in the region, large numbers of devotees are visiting the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. Pilgrims, including many Kashmiri Pandits, expressed faith and said such attacks cannot deter their devotion. Authorities assured that elaborate security and logistical arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Rajesh Jyotsi, a devotee, said, 'Mata Kheer Bhawani is our Kul Devi, and it's our sacred duty to visit her. We don't fear anything--this is our land. Attacks like these keep happening, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to come and seek blessings.' A first-time visitor, Saroj, also echoed the same sentiment. 'This is my first visit. I had heard a great deal about this place. We are not afraid; these attacks are only meant to instil fear, and we must stand strong. I am not scared. There is no fear in visiting 'Mata'. The Pahalgam attack was unfortunate... But tourists should go. So, we should not be afraid' Jammu SSP Joginder Singh said security and other arrangements were in place to ensure a peaceful and smooth yatra. 'I extend best wishes to all pilgrims on this sacred occasion,' he said. The Mata Kheer Bhawani annual Mela at the famous Ragnya Devi temple near Srinagar. 'Kheer'- a milk and rice pudding that is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as 'Milk Goddess'. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; most of them worship her as their protective patron deity, Kuladevi. This was followed by the attack in Pahalgam that occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and leaving several others injured. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. India carried out precision strikes through Operation Sindoor on May 7 on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, in which 26 people were killed. India also effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. (ANI)
