Officials said that there are detailed security arrangements for the annual Kheer Bhavani Mela prescribed for June 3 on June 3.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar and Jammu IGP Bhim Singh flagged off more than 60 buses carrying devotees at the annual Kheer Bhavani Mela set for June 3.
A large number of devotees are visiting the devotee Mata Kheer Bhavani Temple in Kashmir. Pilgrims including many Kashmiri Pandits expressed unwavering confidence and said that such attacks could not stop their devotion.
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 request everyone to bless and take blessings.”
For the first time, the visitors, Saroj also resonated the same 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, must definitely come.”
The Mata Kheer Bhawani Annual Mela at the Famous Ragnya Devi Temple Near Srinagar.
Kheer- A milk and rice pudding which is offered to present to the goddess. 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.
This was followed by attacks in Pahalgam in Besaran Meado on 22 April, where terrorists targeted tourists, killed 25 Indian citizens and a Nepali citizen, and injured many others. 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 to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, India carried out accurate attacks in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor on 7 May in Pakistan, in which 26 people were killed. India also effectively responded to Pakistani aggression and increased its airbase. (AI)