Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 2: Thousands of devotees today thronged revered temple of Goddess Ragnya Devi on the occasion of annual Kheer Bhawani festival – a symbol of centuries old Hindu-Muslim unity – at Tulmulla in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Director General of Police (DGP) Dr SP Vaid were among top dignitaries who paid obeisance at temple and met devotees.
At least 10,000 Hindu devotees – majority of them from Pandit community – assembled at Kheer Bhawani Shrine at Tulmulla. They were welcomed by their local Muslim brethren who like past had made arrangements for ‘Puja’ and other rituals. Amid chants of Vedic hymns and ringing of bells, pilgrims prayed for peace in State at the temple situated amid the majestic Chinar trees and the atmosphere was filled with fervour and brotherhood between Hindus and the Muslims.
The annual Mela Kheer Bhawani is symbol of centuries old brotherhood as local Muslims make all arrangements for devotees and even set up stalls selling flowers and other material for the devotees to offer at the temple. Walking barefoot and carrying rose petals, the devotees, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, throng the temple every year and offer milk and “kheer” (pudding) to the sacred spring within the complex.
The devotees said that the festival holds very important significance for them and that is the reason why people from all corners of country arrive in Tulmulla. A non-migrant and Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir president, Chuni Lal, said the devotees made special prayers for peace, prosperity and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir.
The prevailing tense situation in Kashmir this year affected the arrival of devotees and as compared to 2016 the number was less this year. However, there was no bearing on the festival and all the prayers and rituals passed off without any fear or disruption.
Interacting with the devotees, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said people in Kashmir eagerly await the return of their Kashmiri brethren. She said the socio-cultural milieu of Valley is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. She also extended her good wishes to them on the auspicious day and also enquired about the arrangements made for them.
The Chief Minister also hailed the gesture of the local Muslims and appealed the devotees to pray for peace, harmony and brotherhood which has been a characteristic feature of the State.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo; senior officers of divisional and district administration accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.
The Chief Minister, on the occasion, took stock of the arrangements made by the administration for the devotees, many of whom had come from outside the State. She visited the stalls put up by various Government agencies like Health Department, district administration, Fire & Emergency Services, police etc. for the convenience of the devotees.
Meanwhile, about 300 pilgrims also paid obeisance at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple Manzgam in South Kashmir district of Kulgam where a Maha Yagya was performed today. The Hawan commenced yesterday evening after the pooja was performed during the day at ancient Sandal tree at the Shrine which as per legend has been planted by Lord Hanuman who had brought the Mata to Manzgam from Sri Lanka. Since then the precedence of worshiping Sandal tree has started, said Kuldeep Raina president of the Manzgam Kheer Bhawani Sanstha.
He said the locals gave full cooperation to the devotees who paid the obeisance at holy shrine today and yesterday. The devotees were also served with Prashad after the puranahuti of hawan. The local MLA, Abdul Majid Padder also visited the shrine to over see arrangements today. He also interacted with the yatris. The devotees prayed for return of peace and normalcy in the Valley.
Devotees also visited the holy shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani at Tikker in North Kashmir district of Kupwara and paid obeisance there. A Hawan was also performed on the occasion which started yesterday and culminated with Puranahuti today.
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