Srinagar, June 18 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed arrangements for the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela in Tullamulla town of Ganderbal district.

Officials said J&K Chief Minister and Ganderbal MLA, Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed the preparations for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela and assured that all pending works and necessary arrangements would be completed ahead of the religious event scheduled for June 22.

During his visit to the revered shrine of Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district, Chief Minister Abdullah inspected the facilities being put in place for devotees expected to arrive from different parts of the country and abroad to participate in the annual mela and seek blessings of the deity.

Speaking to reporters, CM Abdullah said that June 22 marks the auspicious occasion of the Kheer Bhawani Mela, which attracts devotees from across the world.

He said he visited the shrine in his capacity as the local MLA to personally assess the arrangements and review the preparedness of various departments.

The Chief Minister said he interacted with the temple priests and other stakeholders to understand their requirements and concerns. He noted that a few essential works still need attention and assured that the administration would make every effort to complete them before the commencement of the mela.

CM Abdullah emphasised that ensuring smooth arrangements for pilgrims remains a priority and directed the authorities concerned to expedite the remaining works.

He expressed confidence that all necessary facilities, including basic amenities and logistical support for devotees, would be in place well before the annual festival begins.

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most significant religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community and witnesses large participation of devotees every year at the historic shrine in Tullamulla area of Ganderbal district.

The annual Mela Kheer Bhawani is held on Jyeshtha Ashtami at the sacred shrine of Mata Ragnya Devi in Tullamulla, Ganderbal. The festival is one of the largest and most significant gatherings for the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The main festival occurs on June 22 in Tullamulla, alongside satellite celebrations in other parts of the Kashmir valley such as Kupwara, Anantnag, and Kulgam.

Thousands of devotees travel to the Valley from across India. Official transit arrangements are typically organised, including transport fleets (buses) flagged off from Jammu.

The shrine is famous for its natural spring whose waters are believed to miraculously change colour, with dark hues often seen as an omen for troubled times and lighter shades for peace and prosperity.

Beyond its spiritual weight, the mela is a powerful symbol of Kashmir’s shared heritage. Local Kashmiri Muslims traditionally assist with arrangements, set up refreshment stalls and langars, and welcome returning Pandits, embodying centuries-old pluralistic bonds.

Devotees make unique offerings to the goddess, which predominantly consist of milk, kheer (rice pudding), and sugar drops, floating them in the temple spring.

–IANS

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