Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said Mela Kheer Bhawani represents a unique amalgamation of spirituality, culture and communal harmony which provides a platform for Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims to come together.
A large number of Kashmiri Pandits are expected to converge on Sunday at the Tullamulla shrine in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir for the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani festival.
Located at Tullamulla, 27 km from Srinagar, the shrine of Ragnya Devi has for years been hosting the annual mela attracting devotees, especially Kashmiri Pandits, from all over.
Mufti on Saturday extended her heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community , on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.
“This annual festival, celebrated with great fervor, exemplifies the bonhomie and harmonious coexistence between the Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims, transcending religious boundaries and fostering communal harmony,” she said in a statement.
She said Mela Kheer Bhawani represents a unique amalgamation of spirituality, culture and communal harmony.
“It provides a platform for Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims to come together, exchange greetings, and share their rich traditions and customs. The festival epitomizes the syncretic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir, where people from diverse backgrounds coexist harmoniously, united by their shared love for this land,” she said
Mufti highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting the age-old cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
She emphasised the need for safeguarding religious plurality and fostering an environment where all communities can thrive with mutual respect and understanding.
Meanwhile, the traffic police rural Kashmir has issued a route plan for vehicles for arrival and departure to the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal upto May 29.
As per the traffic plan, the traffic coming from Srinagar to Ganderbal will adopt Pandach- Beehama-Tawheed Chowk-Dhombkadal – Police Lines – Tulmulla (Mata Khir Bhawani Temple) – Central University of Kashmir General Parking. The departure will be from Central University General Parking – Barsoo Dangarpora – Theeru – Dhombakadal – Tawheed Chowk -Behama -Pandach – Srinagar.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural, said the traffic plan has been devised for ensuring hassle-free movement of vehicular traffic during the festival days.
UNI
