Kashmiri Pandits flock to ‘Kheer Bhawani Mela’; first major religious event after Pahalgam Attack

Ganderbal (J&K), June 03, 2025 (ANI): Devotees flocked to the Kheer Bhawani Mela, defying terror threats following the Pahalgam terror attack. Kheer Bhawani is a sacred gathering of faith and devotion held at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulla Mulla, Ganderbal. It is an annual religious festival of great significance for the Kashmiri Pandits. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, and is revered by Kashmiri Hindus as one of the holiest sites in the region. Following the Pahalgam attack, this is the first major religious event taking place in the Kashmir Valley. Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims from Mumbai, Delhi, and other parts of the country have arrived for the annual Kheer Bhawani Festival. The Kheer Bhawani Mela stands as a symbol of resilience, especially for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. Despite the upheaval and migration caused by the conflict in the Kashmir Valley during the 1990s, many families have continued to uphold the tradition of visiting the temple annually. The mela is also a reflection of communal harmony, as local Muslim residents often assist in the preparations showcasing the spirit of brotherhood and shared heritage in the valley.