Srinagar, June 11, 2025 – In a heartwarming display of interfaith harmony, Muslims, Sikhs, and Kashmiri Pandits came together in Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Urs of Shah-e-Hamdan (RA), two significant religious events that coincided in a rare convergence of devotion and unity. The gatherings, held at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, and the historic Khanqah-e-Moula shrine in Srinagar, radiated peace, shared heritage, and mutual respect, showcasing Kashmir’s syncretic cultural ethos.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela, an annual festival dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, drew thousands of Kashmiri Pandits to the sacred spring temple in Tulmulla. Simultaneously, the Urs of Shah-e-Hamdan, commemorating the revered Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, attracted devotees to the 14th-century Khanqah-e-Moula shrine on the banks of the Jhelum River. Muslims and Sikhs joined Pandits in the festivities, offering prayers, sharing traditional kheer (rice pudding), and exchanging greetings, symbolizing the region’s deep-rooted tradition of coexistence.
Local residents and community leaders emphasized the significance of this unity, especially in the wake of recent tensions following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly Hindu tourists. “This is the true spirit of Kashmir—where faith unites us, not divides us,” said Ahmad, a local pony handler who assisted victims during the attack. Muslim volunteers assisted with logistics at the Kheer Bhawani Mela, while Pandits paid respects at the Khanqah, reinforcing bonds of brotherhood. Social media posts on X captured the sentiment, with users describing the events as a “radiant example of peace, devotion, and shared heritage” from Tulmulla to Khanqah-e-Moula.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the gatherings, with Sinha noting the administration’s commitment to fostering such inclusive events. “The unity displayed here is a testament to Kashmir’s soul,” Abdullah said, urging residents to sustain this spirit amid preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, set to begin July 3, 2025. The J&K administration ensured robust security and facilities, including transportation and sanitation, to support the large gatherings.
The events also highlighted Kashmir’s Sufi and syncretic traditions, with devotees reciting prayers and singing devotional songs in unison. “From the Kheer Bhawani temple to the Khanqah, this is Kashmir’s message to the world—love and mutual respect,” said a Sikh attendee. The celebrations come at a time when the region is grappling with challenges like a prolonged heatwave and security concerns, yet the gatherings underscored resilience and solidarity.
This historic Hindu-Muslim unity event has rekindled hope for peace and brotherhood in Kashmir, offering a counter-narrative to recent communal tensions. As the valley prepares to welcome pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra, the shared devotion at Tulmulla and Khanqah-e-Moula serves as a beacon of harmony.
