Despite the prevailing fear after the Pahalgam terror attack, a large number of devotees are visiting Kheer Bhavani Temple in Kashmir after Operation Sindoor. Pilgrims including many Kashmiri Pandits expressed unwavering confidence and said that such attacks could not stop their devotion.
The annual Kheer Bhavani Mela will start from June 3, 2025, at the revered Kheer Bhavani Temple of Tulmullah located in Genderbal district of Kashmir Valley.
Officials assured that detailed security and logical arrangements have been made for the smooth operation of the annual pilgrimage.
A devotee, Rajesh Jyoti said, “Mata Kheer Bhavani is our total goddess, and it is our sacred duty to visit us. We have no fear – this is our land. These are the attacks like these, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to bless and take blessings.”
For the first time, the visitors, Saroj also echoed a similar feeling. “This is my first journey. I had heard a lot about this place. We are not afraid;
Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Kari said that the government has ensured that the pilgrims are provided all the necessary facilities. “We have arranged for food, medical aid, hygiene and housing. There is also a stop facility in Ramban, where arrangements have been made. More than 60 buses have been deployed for pilgrimage, and a lot is being added.”
Jammu SSP Joginder Singh said that there were security and other arrangements to ensure a peaceful and smooth journey. “I wish all the pilgrims on this holy occasion,” he said.
Another devotee Rakesh Kaul highlighted the emotional bond of the Kashmiri Pandit community along with the shrine. “Our relationship with Mata Kheer Bhavani is old. We wait for this journey throughout the year. People from all over India are coming despite the prevailing fears of the last 36 years. The situation remains difficult, but our faith in God is strong. Those who are spiritually interested, should come.”
Mata Kheer Bhavani annual fair takes place in the famous Ragani Devi temple of Tulamullah village Tulamullah, 25 km away from Srinagar.
A milk and rice pudding is offered to offer the goddess ‘Kheer’. Kheer Bhavani is sometimes translated as ‘Doodh Devi’. The worship of Kheer Bhavani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; Most of them worship him as his protective patron deity, Kuldevi.
The incident follows an attack in Pahgam in Besaran Meado on 22 April, where terrorists targeted tourists, killed 25 Indian citizens and a Nepali citizen, and many others were injured. The victims were raised on the basis of their religion. This was one of the most deadly attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, claiming the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
In response, India carried out accurate attacks on 7 May in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in the terrorist infrastructure and the supporter in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor on 7 May, killing 26 people. India also effectively responded to Pakistani aggression and increased its airbase. (AI)