Pahalgam attack casts shadow on turnoutat Kheer Bhawani
Pahalgam attack casts shadow on turnoutat Kheer Bhawani
In News: Kheer Bhawani Mela 2025
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, celebrated on Zyestha Ashtami, has been overshadowed this year by the Pahalgam terror attack and recent India–Pakistan military confrontation.
Held at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal (J&K), the festival is a key pilgrimage for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
According to officials, the first batch of devotees visiting this year fell to 2,500, compared to 4,500 in 2024. Last year, over 30,000 pilgrims visited the shrine.
Local politicians have appealed to the Pandit community to continue visiting Valley temples despite security concerns.
The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi (an incarnation of Goddess Durga). Devotees traditionally offer milk and kheer at the sacred spring.
