Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 14: Thousands, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, from J&K and other parts of the country thronged the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal’s Tulmulla today to attend the annual Mela, showcasing the religious and cultural richness of Kashmir.
The occasion, which holds great importance as Mata’s day of birth, featured special prayers throughout the day, with devotees attending pujas and other rituals from the morning onwards.
To facilitate the pilgrims reaching the temple, the authorities made detailed arrangements, with necessary renovations and repairs carried out well in advance. The Trust managing the temple also prepared extensively for the day.
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The pilgrims expressed their jubilation at being able to reach Tulmulla and participate in the special pujas. They noted that the event showcases real brotherhood and communal harmony every year.
“We come here every year, and this year as well, the atmosphere is moving. The assembly of people here showcases the real brotherhood and communal harmony between Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. Apart from being a religious event, this occasion represents true Kashmiriyat,” said a devotee, Vivek Bali.
The devotees were also pleased with the arrangements ensured by the authorities, noting that for the first time in the last 35 years, they experienced top-notch arrangements.
Ramesh Poda, a Kashmiri Pandit currently living in Delhi, said that people from Delhi, Mumbai, and other parts of J&K have assembled here for the blessings of Mata. He noted that everyone is happy with the arrangements.
“I felt real happiness today after over three decades. Earlier, the arrangements used to be mediocre, but this year, the administration ensured exceptional arrangements. Be it transport, accommodation, security, langar, or drinking water facilities, everything has been done to facilitate the visit of the devotees to Mata Kheer Bhawani,” he said.
He added that anti-peace elements have been trying to keep Kashmiri Pandits away from their motherland, but “every time, they have failed. They cannot keep us away; we are born here and we belong to this place. Whatever they are doing speaks about their frustration.”
Kashmiri Pandits on the occasion also pitched for a permanent solution to their problems, urging the Government to take measures to facilitate their return to Kashmir.
Another devotee, Sunil Bhan, originally from Tulmulla but currently living in Gurugram, also advocated for the construction of a Yatri Bhawan at the temple. He urged the Government to find a permanent solution to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.
“This event showcases what a Kashmiri believes in, Kashmiriyat. We want to return, and for that, the Government has to ensure a permanent solution, not cosmetic measures,” he said.
Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, a local Muslim living near the temple, termed the mela no less than Eid. “We are happy today; it is an Eid for us to have the Kashmiri Pandits here. We have kept our spaces open for them so that they do not face any issues.”
Ashok Kumar, a devotee from Srinagar originally from Anantnag, noted the contribution of local Muslims in making the mela possible. He highlighted that Kashmiri Pandits living abroad also come and participate in the special prayers.
“The Muslims ensure that they contribute. The Prasad served here is made possible by them. Every religion has reverence for Mata Rani. If you look around, you won’t be able to differentiate who is a Muslim and who is Hindu,” he said.
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Muhammad Aijaz, a local Muslim, said that they remained available to serve the devotees throughout the day, noting that what prevails at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple is the “multi-diversified culture of Kashmir.”
On the occasion, apart from other arrangements, the Health Department had set up a 10-bed hospital near the temple to ensure the necessary medical facilities for the devotees. Healthcare facilities were also made available at the accommodation where the devotees were staying.
Director of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), Dr. Mushtaq A Rather, toured Tulmulla, Ganderbal today to review the healthcare services being provided to devotees on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.
During his visit, he inspected all the camp sections that have been set up to provide better healthcare services for the devotees.
While interacting with the media, he expressed that there are adequate healthcare facilities established and emphasized that the OPD is running 24×7 on a roster-based schedule, including specialists.
Apart from the OPD, an IPD ward has been established, and a critical care ambulance is stationed round the clock, he said.
“All the nearby PHCs are functioning 24×7 to provide better healthcare facilities to the devotees in case any need arises,” the Director said.
He also interacted with the devotees and assured them that the department has ensured all possible healthcare services are available in a hassle-free manner round the clock until the conclusion of the mela.
DHSK, while appreciating the healthcare workers and district healthcare administration, stressed the importance of continuing their work with utmost zeal and dedication.
Meanwhile, Sewa Bharti J&K led by Muzaffar Ahmed Dar installed a stall to serve cold drinks to pilgrims. Other members of the team included Tawseef Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed Dar, Dr Kulvant Singh, Dr Farooq Ahmed and Pervaiz Ahmed Mir.
Meanwhile, hundreds of devotees also thronged the Kheer Bhawani shrine at Manzgam in Kulgam district of South Kashmir. The devotees paid obeisance to Goddess and performed Puja in a traditional way.
On the occasion, a Maha Yagya was performed by the Sanstha under the supervision of Jyotshi Pt Avtar Krishan Shastri.
A large number of devotees participated in the Hawan who were served Prasad after Puranahuti. The Bhajan Kirtan was held in the shrine premises since yesterday evening. The Sanstha led by Kuldeep Raina had made elaborate arrangements for the devotees.
Hundreds of devotees also thronged the Kheer Bhawani Shrine at Tikker, Kupwara, Raithan Budgam, Mata Khanbarnian in Kulgam and Kheer Bhawani shrine in Logri Pora Pahalgam in Anantnag district to pay obeisance to the deity on the occasion of Zeshta Ashtami today.
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