Ganderbal: The annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, celebrated on the eighth day of the lunar fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyestha, is being observed with remarkable religious fervor and gaiety at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district. Devotees from various parts of the country have gathered to pay homage at the temple of Goddess Ragnya Devi, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani.
This year’s celebration has fostered a strong bond of love and unity between Muslims and Pandits. The Tulmulla area wore a festive look as thousands of devotees, primarily Kashmiri Pandits, arrived to partake in the rituals of the festival. Under the shade of ancient Chinar trees, the temple witnessed a significant influx of worshippers performing traditional rituals, including offering milk and kheer to the sacred spring. Special prayers were held in the temple, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Compared to the previous year, this year’s festival saw a higher number of devotees, bringing emotional scenes of unity and camaraderie between Kashmiri Pandits and local Muslims. The festival not only serves as a religious event but also as a source of income for the local Muslim community, who set up stalls outside the temple to sell items necessary for the rituals. Both men and women from the area participate in this tradition, creating a vibrant marketplace that caters to the needs of the devotees.
The district administration made commendable arrangements for the festival, ensuring the availability of essential services and adequate medical facilities. Security measures were heightened to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the festivities. SSP Ganderbal, Sandeep Gupta, extended warm greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community and the people of Ganderbal, praying for peace, love, harmony, and brotherhood on this auspicious occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.
The festival holds great significance for Kashmiri Pandits, symbolizing their rich cultural heritage and religious traditions. The sacred spring, where devotees offer milk and kheer, is believed to change colors, reflecting the mood of the goddess. The annual gathering is not only a time for religious observance but also for rekindling bonds between the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community and their Muslim neighbors, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and coexistence.
Emotional reunions and heartfelt exchanges were a common sight, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the communities. The festival acts as a beacon of hope and reconciliation, reinforcing the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. The presence of a large number of devotees this year is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
In a gesture of solidarity and reverence, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla, Ganderbal. His presence further underscored the significance of the festival and the administration’s commitment to preserving the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region.
Overall, Mela Kheer Bhawani serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity, harmony, and mutual respect in a region that has seen its share of challenges. The collective efforts of the local administration, the participation of the local Muslim community, and the devotion of the Kashmiri Pandits made this year’s festival a memorable and significant event.
