Kheer Bhawani Mela Rekindles Spirit of Kashmiriyat as Pandits Return to Tulmulla
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gather at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine on Jyeshtha Ashtami, celebrating faith, heritage and communal harmony amid tight security.
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine in Tulmulla, about 27 km from Srinagar, on Monday to celebrate the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.
For many devotees, the pilgrimage was more than a religious visit—it was an emotional homecoming to their ancestral land. Pandits from Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of the country travelled to the shrine, while hundreds arrived in escorted convoys from Jammu.
“It is a homecoming for us. We find solace and peace of mind once we enter our birthplace,” said Avtar Kishan Hangloo, a displaced Kashmiri Pandit now residing in Ghaziabad.
The festival also witnessed the participation of tourists, political leaders and government officials. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the shrine and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and well-being. In a message, he extended greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community and prayed for happiness, good health and prosperity for all.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed his greetings, expressing hope that the festival would strengthen harmony, brotherhood and Jammu and Kashmir’s composite cultural heritage.
The mela once again reflected the Valley’s tradition of communal harmony, with Muslim residents of Tulmulla and neighbouring areas warmly welcoming devotees. Many locals joined the celebrations and reunited with old friends and neighbours, reinforcing the spirit of Kashmiriyat.
Dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, the historic Kheer Bhawani temple stands beside a sacred spring believed to change colours on auspicious occasions. Devotees offered milk, sugar candy, raisins and clarified butter, while prayers and hymns filled the temple complex.
The annual gathering carries special significance for Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom were displaced from the Valley during the militancy of the late 1980s and early 1990s. For many visitors, the festival remains a powerful link to their roots, culture and memories.
Authorities deployed multi-layered security arrangements, including police, central forces, CCTV surveillance and drones, while healthcare, sanitation and other essential facilities were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
