SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday paid obeisance at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, joining thousands of devotees who participated in the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani.
The Lieutenant Governor offered prayers for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people and sought blessings at the shrine, which holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Sinha emphasised the importance of preserving peace and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Everyone prayed that peace and harmony remain in Jammu and Kashmir and that the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani be upon all,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the annual mela and complimented all departments and agencies involved in facilitating the pilgrimage.
“I would like to compliment all those involved for the excellent arrangements made for the devotees,” he said.
Sinha noted that devotees have been visiting the shrine for decades to seek the blessings of the Goddess and participate in the annual festival, which attracts pilgrims from across Jammu and Kashmir as well as other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg extended greetings to devotees on the occasion and said elaborate arrangements had been put in place for pilgrims visiting Kheer Bhawani temples across the Valley.
Speaking during his visit to the shrine, Garg said the festival was being celebrated not only at Tulmulla but also at Mansgam, Devsar, Logripora and Tikkar.
He conveyed his best wishes to devotees who had arrived from Jammu and various parts of Kashmir and said all necessary facilities had been arranged for the smooth conduct of the celebrations, as is done every year.
The Divisional Commissioner also expressed hope that Kashmir’s long-standing tradition of celebrating festivals together in an atmosphere of harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect would continue to be preserved and strengthened.
Thousands of devotees attended the annual mela amid tight security and extensive arrangements by the administration, marking one of the most significant religious gatherings of the Kashmiri Pandit community in the Valley. (KNO)
