Kashmiri Pandits Embark on Kheer Bhawani Mela Amidst Tight Security

Over 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits commenced their journey from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela. The four-day pilgrimage spans five renowned shrines and takes place amid stringent security measures. Despite recent terror attacks in Jammu, pilgrims express enthusiasm and faith.

More than 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits began their journey from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela amidst tight security, officials said.

The Kheer Bhawani Mela, observed on Zeisht Ashtami, will be held on June 14 at shrines in Tulmulla, Tikker, Laktipora Aishmuqam, Mata Tripursundri Devsar, and Mata Kheer Bhawani in Manzgam.

Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani and prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders flagged off the four-day pilgrimage from Nagrota, Jammu. A convoy of 176 buses set off, resonating with devotional songs and mantras chanted by the devotees.

Relief Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani said, "Over 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits have left for Kashmir to take part in the Kheer Bhawani Mela. They departed from Nagrota early today amid tight security arrangements."

The pilgrims will halt at Ramban for lunch, and stringent security measures are in place to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds smoothly.

In light of the recent terror attacks in Jammu, a devotee remarked, "We do not fear these terrorist attacks. How long will we remain in fear? We have Mata's protection." Kusum Pandita, heading to the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine in Manzgam, expressed enthusiasm rather than fear.

An estimated 80,000 migrant Kashmiri Pandits are expected to visit the five shrines from various parts of India and abroad during the annual fair.

The Jammu region recently witnessed three terror attacks, beginning with an assault on a bus carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, resulting in nine deaths and 41 injuries.

In another incident in Doda district, terrorists attacked a joint check post, injuring five troopers and a special police officer. In Kathua, a terrorist attack on a village near the International Border resulted in injuries to a civilian and a CRPF jawan.