Around 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits leave for Kheerbhawani Mela in Kashmir amid tight security

NEW DELHI: A group of over 5,000 individuals, primarily from the Kashmiri Pandit community, embarked on a journey from Nagrota to Kashmir for the annual Kheer Bhawani mela on Wednesday.

The four-day pilgrimage commenced with the Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani, and prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders flagging off the devotees, who departed in 176 buses amid tight security measures.

The pilgrims, chanting mantras and singing bhajans, will make a stop at Ramban for lunch before proceeding to the five shrines in the Kashmir Valley. Dr Arvind Karwani, the Relief Commissioner, assured that strict security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

Despite the recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, the devotees remain undeterred and enthusiastic about participating in the mela, with one devotee stating, "We do not fear these terrorist attacks. How long will we remain in fear? We have Mata's (deity's) protection."

The Jammu region has witnessed three terror attacks in the past few days, including an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, an attack on a joint check post in Chattergalla, and an attack on a village near the International Border in Kathua.

Despite these incidents, the pilgrims remain determined to attend the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, which will be held on June 14 at the shrines of Tulmulla, Tikker, Laktipora Aishmuqam, Mata Tripursundri Devsar, and Mata Kheerbhawani Manzgam. This year, an estimated 80,000 migrant Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of India and abroad are expected to visit these renowned temples during the annual fair.