Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Mela Kheer Bhawani with religious gaitey,fervour at Tulmulla G’bal Ganderbal

Srinagar|May, 28: Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at the revered Mata Maha Ragnya Temple in Tullamulla village, located in the central Kashmir district of Ganderbal, for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, officials said here on Sunday.
Situated approximately 27 km from Srinagar, the temple attracted Kashmiri Pandits, including women and children, who came together to offer special prayers on the auspicious occasion of the annual ‘Zyeshth Ashtami.’ The devotees prayed for peace, prosperity, and brotherhood.
“ I have been coming here regularly and this year the footfall is impressive,” said a devotee at the shrine, adding that “The famous spring at the Tullamulla shrine is known for its ‘changing colours’ that ‘foretell’ the coming months of the state. So I prayed for peace and brotherhood in J&K and the country.”
At the temple premises, emotional scenes were visible as some Muslim youngsters were seen helping the visitors. Some Muslims also lined up outside the temple. Pilgrims said that peace was prevailing in Kashmir and it has helped that more devotees visit the shrine today. ” This year the colour of the water in the spring was clean which means there will be prosperity in the country including J&K,” said another devotee. Besides non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits, the migrants from outside the Valley thronged the shrine in large numbers during the fair. The over 100-year-old spring temple, built by Hindu monarch Pratap Singh, has over the years been a magnet for the Pandit community. Despite the migration of Pandits, there has been no let-up in the rush of devotees at Mela Kheer Bhawani.