Latest news with #MataKheerBhawaniMela
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
J&K Chief Secy, DGP review security for Mata Kheer Bhawani festival in Ganderbal
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat on Sunday reviewed the security ahead of the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani festival in Tullamulla town of Ganderbal district. Officials said that in preparation for the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tullamulla town of Ganderbal, DGP, Nalin Prabhat visited the deity's temple on Sunday to assess the security arrangements. The annual festival starts on June 3. Accompanied by the DIG (Central Kashmir), SSP Ganderbal, and SSP Traffic Rural, the DGP reviewed the on-ground situation to ensure a peaceful and incident-free pilgrimage. Later in the day, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo also arrived at the temple to inspect the preparations. Speaking to media persons, the chief secretary said: "All the arrangements have been put in place. Adequate security measures have also been ensured for the safe and peaceful commencement of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela." Both the DGP and the Chief Secretary offered prayers at the temple, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the event. Officials reiterated their commitment to providing a smooth and secure experience for all devotees attending the annual pilgrimage. The Mela, one of the most important religious gatherings for the Kashmiri Pandit community, attracts devotees from across the country. Dedicated to Mata Ragnya, believed to be the reincarnation of goddess Durga, the temple shrine has a sacred spring. Devotees believe that the colour of the spring water on the annual festival foretells the coming events of the year. Elders in Tullamulla town say that in 1947, when the tribal raiders invaded Kashmir, the colour of the spring water was dark black. Pink or milky colour are believed to be auspicious. Legend has it that, annoyed by the licentious deeds of Ravana, Mata Ragnya directed Hanuman to relocate her deity to Tullamulla town from Sri Lanka. Muslims of Tullamulla town serve milk in earthen pots to the Kashmiri Pandit devotees on their arrival at the temple shrine.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Unfazed by terror threat, devotees flock to Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir
Ganderbal: As the sacred annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela draws near, large numbers of pilgrims have begun arriving in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, undeterred by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. With unwavering faith in the Indian Armed Forces, devotees, particularly from the Kashmiri Pandit community, are preparing to celebrate one of their most revered festivals on June 3 at the historic temple of Ragnya Devi in Tullamulla. The shrine, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi -- a reincarnation of Goddess Durga -- becomes a focal point of religious fervour each year as devotees from across India and abroad converge for the Mela. Despite heightened tensions following the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror incident, the spirit of the pilgrims remains unshaken. Extensive security arrangements have been deployed across the region to ensure the safety of the devotees. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures -- including drinking water supply and essential amenities -- are in place to provide a worry-free experience for pilgrims. Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom were displaced during the 1990 exodus, have expressed that their devotion remains stronger than ever. They also lauded the Indian government and armed forces for launching 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the Pahalgam attack, calling it a fitting reply to Pakistan-backed terrorism. "The terrorists tried to spread fear, but our devotion has only grown," said a pilgrim from Chandigarh, speaking to IANS. "They want to derail tourism, but Kashmir is a part of India. We will keep coming here. No one can frighten us." Another devotee, Sunita, who migrated to Delhi during the 1990s, expressed deep emotional resonance on returning to the shrine for the first time. "We're not scared even after the terror attack. Mata Kheer Bhawani called us. We are here because of her and because of PM Modi. This is all possible because of him," she told IANS. Umar Raina, another pilgrim, told IANS, "We only pray that Kashmiri Pandits are able to come back to their motherland. We want peace to prevail in Kashmir and to return to our homes." Sharing similar sentiments, Shriti Dhar, a regular visitor to the Mela, said, "Our armed forces have always protected us. We are proud of them. The arrangements this year are really good. We've witnessed violence since our childhood, and the Indian Armed Forces have always been our shield." Meanwhile, top officials, including IGP Jammu and Kashmir Police, DC Jammu Sachin, and Relief Commissioner Arvind, flagged off the Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra in Jammu.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
J&K L-G chairs security meeting ahead of Amarnath yatra
J&K L-G Manoj Sinha Tuesday chaired the Unified Headquarters meet at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar to review security for the Amarnath Yatra scheduled from July 3. CM Omar Abdullah visited Ganderbal and paid his respects at the Kheer Bhawani temple. The CM said, 'We have started our preparations (for the yatra)… all arrangements will be put in place. It will be our endeavour to have a successful Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela… Amarnath Yatra via both routes of Sonmarg and Pahalgam…'
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
J-K CM visits Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal, offers prayers
Ganderbal (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 20 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid a visit to the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, on Tuesday. Accompanied by senior officials and local leaders, the CM offered prayers at the shrine. The shrine holds deep spiritual significance for Kashmiri Pandits. Earlier in the day, CM Abdullah stated that while tourism in the region has been affected, the government is currently prioritising the smooth and secure conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Abdullah affirmed that civil and security arrangements are being put in place for the annual pilgrimage, which will begin via the Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes. He added that the administration is currently focusing on the successful organisation of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3, and efforts to revive tourism will begin once the Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully. Speaking to mediapersons, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, 'As far as civil arrangements are concerned, we are fully prepared. As far as security is concerned, due steps will be taken. We are primarily focused on the successful conduct of Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela on 3 June. Amarnath Ji Yatra will be conducted via two routes- Sonamarg- Baltal, and Pahalgam, and we will see that it goes on smoothly and the yatris return safely...' 'Tourism has been hit, but we are not doing anything about it for now. Let the situation return to normalcy, after which we will sit with the stakeholders of tourism and work on the revival of our tourism industry... Once Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully, we will start working on the revival of tourism,' he added. Meanwhile, with less than two months left for the commencement of the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, preparations are gathering pace at key points along the Pahalgam route. Scheduled to begin on July 3, this year's yatra is witnessing heightened coordination between security agencies and civil departments to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. At the Nunwan Base Camp, the main transit and registration hub near Pahalgam, a large-scale verification and registration process is currently underway for ponies, their handlers, and service providers. These individuals play a critical role in ferrying pilgrims and supplies during the challenging trek to the Amarnath cave shrine. A joint team comprising officials from the Labour Department and Animal Husbandry Department (Anantnag) is stationed at security checkpoints to oversee this process. The officers are verifying the identity and background documents of pony owners and other service personnel, while veterinary doctors are conducting thorough health checkups of the ponies before allowing them to be registered. (ANI)
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"As far as security is concerned, due steps will be taken": J-K CM Omar Abdullah on Amarnath Yatra
Ganderbal (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 20 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday stated that while tourism in the region has been affected, the government is currently prioritising the smooth and secure conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Abdullah affirmed that civil and security arrangements are being put in place for the annual pilgrimage, which will begin via the Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes. He further added that the administration is currently focusing on the successful organisation of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3, and efforts to revive tourism will begin once the Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully. Speaking to mediapersons, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, 'As far as civil arrangements are concerned, we are fully prepared. As far as security is concerned, due steps will be taken. We are primarily focused on the successful conduct of Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela on 3 June. Amarnath Ji Yatra will be conducted via two routes- Sonamarg- Baltal, and Pahalgam, and we will see that it goes on smoothly and the yatris return safely...' 'Tourism has been hit, but we are not doing anything about it for now. Let the situation return to normalcy, after which we will sit with the stakeholders of tourism and work on the revival of our tourism industry... Once Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully, we will start working on the revival of tourism,' he added. Meanwhile, with less than two months left for the commencement of the holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, preparations are gathering pace at key points along the Pahalgam route. Scheduled to begin on July 3, this year's yatra is witnessing heightened coordination between security agencies and civil departments to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. At the Nunwan Base Camp, the main transit and registration hub near Pahalgam, a large-scale verification and registration process is currently underway for ponies, their handlers, and service providers. These individuals play a critical role in ferrying pilgrims and supplies during the challenging trek to the Amarnath cave shrine. A joint team comprising officials from the Labour Department and Animal Husbandry Department (Anantnag) is stationed at security checkpoints to oversee this process. The officers are verifying the identity and background documents of pony owners and other service personnel, while veterinary doctors are conducting thorough health checkups of the ponies before allowing them to be registered. (ANI)
