Even as the Pahalgam terror attack has cast a shadow on the annual festival of Zyestha Ashtami at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir, in terms of reduced pilgrim numbers this year, the religious occasion is being celebrated in a grand way across the country, Delhi NCR in particular where thousands of Kashmiri Pandit families thronged to pay obeisance to Mata Ragyna at replica of Kheer Bhawani temples built at several places.
Though away from the cool climate and serene ambiance of original temple of deity in Tulamula Kashmir, thousands of devotees gathered at temples in their respective vicinity at Gurugram, Noida, Delhi to pay obeisance to Mata Ragyna where idols have been placed amidst artificially made spring (Jal Kund) in a similar manner as in Kashmir shrine. These temples were constructed by the organisations of Kashmiri Pandits post their exodus from Valley so as not to miss the aura as well blessings on spiritual and auspicious occasions like Jyeshtha Ashtami while staying away from their homeland.
Gala celebrations included organising of overnight Yagnyas and other rituals associated with Jyeshtha Ashtami, which is most important festival celebrated annually by the community across the country. While celebrations of the festival were seen in cities like Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai besides Delhi-NCR, festive atmosphere is predominantly seen in J&K where the concentration of KPs is highest. Devotees were seen pouring milk and flowers in the spring, atypical ritual associated with the Goddess, Kheer was offered majorly as prasada, said to be the favorite bhog of Goddess Ragyna.
As for the Tulamula pilgrimage in Kashmir, hundreds of KP familes in their profound display of faith and resilience, embarked on a sacred pilgrimage early Sunday morning from Nagrota to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela. Defying fear and undeterred by the volatile security situation in the Kashmir Valley following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, these devotees were albeit sent in buses amid tight security arrangements. However, it was sharp decline in the number of pilgrims in comparison to seen during last couple of years on this annual occasion.
According to official figures, the first batch of Kashmiri Pandit devotees, who have come from several parts of the country to Kashmir for the festival, has fallen to few thousand this year compared to last year. In total, over 30,000 devotees paid obeisance at the temple last year.The annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, one of the most significant religious events for Kashmiri Pandits, draws devotees to five key shrines dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga, located in Tulmulla (Ganderbal), Manzgam and Devsar (Kulgam), Logripora (Anantnag), and Tikkar (Kupwara).
The recent Pahalgam massacre, which heightened security concerns across Jammu and Kashmir, cast a shadow over this year’s pilgrimage. However, the devotees’ determination remained unshaken. “The situation is challenging, but our faith in Mata Kheer Bhawani is unwavering. This pilgrimage is our connection to our roots,” said an elderly devotee from Jammu, Chaman Lal who ventured along with the family , echoing the sentiments of many in the convoy.The pilgrimage offers a chance to reconnect with their homeland and pray for peace. “We pray for the day when Kashmiri Pandits can return to their roots without fear,” said a young woman Sunita Kaul who has been yearning to go back to the homeland.
In response to the heightened security risks, the Jammu and Kashmir administration deployed extensive measures to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) VK Birdi personally supervised arrangements at the Tulmulla temple and other festival sites. Multi-layered security cordons, including armed escorts, drone surveillance, and checkpoints along the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, were established to safeguard the convoy. Additional forces were stationed at the shrines and en route to prevent any untoward incidents.
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