Ganderbal,June 22,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of all.
Sharing his experience, the Lieutenant Governor said that it was a privilege to participate in the sacred celebrations and interact with devotees who had arrived from different parts of the country to seek the blessings of Goddess Ragnya Devi. He described the occasion as a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural unity that brings people together beyond regional and social boundaries.
“Visited Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal today to celebrate Jyeshtha Ashtami and pray for the peace and prosperity of all. Truly special to share this joyful occasion and connect with devotees from every corner of the country,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Thousands of devotees, particularly members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, gathered at the historic shrine in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district to participate in the annual festival. The temple witnessed vibrant religious ceremonies, devotional prayers, and traditional rituals throughout the day.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the arrangements made for pilgrims and appreciated the efforts of the administration, security agencies, and volunteers in ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival. He emphasized that the annual celebration reflects Jammu and Kashmir’s rich spiritual heritage and its long-standing tradition of communal harmony and coexistence.
Jyeshtha Ashtami is one of the most significant festivals associated with the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple and attracts devotees from across India every year. The shrine holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community and remains an enduring symbol of faith and resilience.
The celebrations concluded with devotees offering prayers for peace, harmony, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and across the nation.
