𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚

Srinagar, June 1: Authorities have implemented strict security measures ahead of the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, set to take place on June 3 at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar, and IGP Jammu, Bhim Singh, flagged off over 60 buses carrying pilgrims to the temple. Devotees, including many Kashmiri Pandits, are arriving in large numbers, expressing unwavering devotion despite recent terror threats.

“We are not afraid,” said Rajesh Jyotsi, a pilgrim. “This is our homeland, and our faith cannot be shaken by such attacks. The arrangements are very good.”

First-time visitor Saroj shared a similar view, stating, “Fear is not the answer. We should continue visiting holy places. The Pahalgam attack was tragic, but we cannot let fear win.”

Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani confirmed that essential amenities—including food, shelter, medical support, and sanitation—have been arranged. Special halts, like the one at Ramban, are also ready to accommodate pilgrims. Additional buses are being mobilized to meet the growing number of devotees.

Jammu SSP Joginder Singh confirmed that robust security protocols are in place to ensure a peaceful yatra. He extended his best wishes to the pilgrims.

Rakesh Kaul, another devotee, spoke of the deep spiritual connection of Kashmiri Pandits to the temple. “Despite 36 years of fear, our faith remains unshaken. People from all over India are coming. Spirituality gives us strength.”

The Kheer Bhawani Mela is held at the Ragnya Devi temple near Srinagar. Devotees offer ‘kheer’—a traditional milk and rice pudding—as part of the rituals. Worship of Kheer Bhawani is deeply rooted among Kashmiri Hindus, who revere her as their Kuladevi (family deity).

The event takes place amid heightened security concerns following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where militants targeted tourists, killing 26 people—including one Nepali national—and injuring several others. The incident was one of the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, carrying out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Indian forces also retaliated to further aggression by targeting Pakistani airbases.