Jammu, June 20,2026- More than 9,000 pilgrims on Saturday departed from Jammu for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir Valley, marking one of the most significant religious gatherings of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The pilgrims left in a fleet of nearly 200 buses operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC), under elaborate security arrangements put in place by the administration to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
The annual mela is held at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district, a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi and an important centre of faith for Kashmiri Pandits.
Security personnel were deployed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and at key transit points to facilitate the movement of devotees. Officials monitored the convoy’s departure from Jammu and coordinated arrangements for accommodation, medical assistance, sanitation, and traffic management.
The pilgrimage witnessed enthusiastic participation from devotees from different parts of Jammu and other regions, reflecting the enduring spiritual significance of the festival. Many pilgrims expressed happiness at being able to visit the historic shrine and participate in the annual religious observances.
Authorities said all necessary measures had been taken to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims during their journey to the Valley. The administration, police, and transport agencies worked in close coordination to manage the large-scale movement of devotees.
The Kheer Bhawani Mela, celebrated annually on Jyeshtha Ashtami, attracts thousands of devotees who gather at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The festival holds deep religious and cultural significance and serves as a symbol of the rich spiritual heritage of Kashmir.
