SRINAGAR: The Mata Kheerbawani shrine experienced an unprecedented surge in pilgrims, with over 1.87 lakh devotees embarking on the spiritual journey in 2023—marking a historic milestone.
Officials said that from January to December 2023, an impressive 1.87 lakh pilgrims visited the revered temple in Tullamulla, Ganderbal district, central Kashmir, surpassing previous attendance records.
The temple’s cultural and religious significance is evident in the substantial influx of tourists, exceeding 1.87 lakh in 2023.
Bilal Bhat, a campaigner, social reformer, and motivational speaker, remarked, “Every year, pilgrims from different states visit Tullamulla, and the crucial message is that the local community, including all stakeholders, remains committed to serving the pilgrims in terms of support, cooperation, coordination, and services.”
He highlighted that the divisional, district, and tehsil administrations remain vigilant to ensure all necessary facilities are available for devotees of Mata Kheerbhawni.
“We, the people of Tullamulla, always show peace, prosperity, and communal harmony towards the masses; our hearts are always open if Kashmiri Pandits return to their homeland. We urge the Government of J&K to take steps to rehabilitate all Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir,” said Bilal, who volunteers annually for pilgrims on the occasion of the annual mela.
He emphasised that the fact that 1.87 lakh devotees visited the temple this year is a testament to its cultural and religious value. Such a large influx of tourists brings many benefits to the local economy, promoting tourism-related businesses and generating employment opportunities.
Bhat noted that in recent years, India has seen a remarkable transformation in its spiritual tourism landscape, attributing it to a concerted effort to renovate and modernize pilgrim sites, upgrade supporting infrastructure, and enhance transportation systems.
A local youth from Tullamulla, Ganderbal, Mir Naveed, stated that nearly 1.87 lakh devotees and tourists visiting the temple in 2023 “is a clear indication of communal harmony, brotherhood, and unity, which is still intact even today.”
He highlighted the dependence of shopkeepers, vendors, and other small traders on the devotees who visit the temple, boosting the local economy of the Tullamulla village.
The Civil Society Tullamulla requested the administration to make all necessary arrangements for the devotees inside and outside the temple to ensure they did not face any hardship during the visit.
Highlighting sustainability, another local, Abdul Hameed, suggested incorporating eco-friendly measures like waste management, solar-powered lighting, and renewable resources in temple construction to promote an environmentally responsible image. (KNO)
