More than 8,500 pilgrims travelled from Jammu in organised convoys for the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district, while thousands of others arrived independently from different parts of the country and abroad, officials said. The event marks 36 years since the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley.
Historic Shrine Draws Thousands
The annual mela at the historic Ragnya Devi shrine, also known as the Kheer Bhawani temple, saw a huge turnout of devotees on June 22, 2026. The shrine, located in the Tulmulla area of Ganderbal, holds deep religious significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. According to officials, the organised convoys from Jammu carried over 8,500 pilgrims, with additional devotees arriving independently from various states and foreign countries.
Strongest Link to the Valley
For Kashmiri Pandits, the Kheer Bhawani Mela remains the strongest link to their ancestral homeland in the Valley, 36 years after the community faced forced displacement due to the onset of militancy in 1990. The pilgrimage serves as a powerful symbol of their enduring cultural and religious ties to Kashmir. A devotee, speaking to the media, said, "This mela is not just a religious event; it is our connection to our roots and our identity as Kashmiri Pandits."
Security and Arrangements
The Jammu and Kashmir administration made elaborate security and logistical arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mela. Convoys were escorted by security forces, and special facilities including medical camps, drinking water, and sanitation were provided at the shrine premises. Officials stated that the arrangements were aimed at ensuring a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage for all devotees.
Significance of the Shrine
The Ragnya Devi shrine is dedicated to the goddess Kheer Bhawani, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Parvati. The temple complex features a sacred spring whose waters are believed to change colour, which is considered an omen by devotees. The annual mela, held on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, is one of the most important festivals for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Continued Connection Despite Challenges
Despite the passage of 36 years since the exodus, the Kashmiri Pandit community continues to maintain its connection with the Valley through such religious events. The government has been facilitating these pilgrimages as part of efforts to encourage the return of displaced families. However, the number of permanent returnees remains limited, making the annual mela a vital touchstone for the community's cultural survival.
