Elaborate security, traffic plans in place for Kheer Bhawani Mela: IGP Birdi

Ganderbal, May 31:
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi (IPS), on Saturday assured that comprehensive security and logistical arrangements are in place for the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled to be celebrated on June 3, 2025.
Addressing the media, IGP Birdi underscored the significance of the event, calling it one of the most revered festivals of the Kashmiri Pandit community. “Thousands of devotees from across the Valley and beyond are expected to participate. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with paramilitary forces and traffic authorities, have taken all necessary steps to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the mela,” he said.
In the lead-up to the festival, IGP Birdi conducted an on-ground review of the security and logistical arrangements at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal. He was accompanied by a high-level team including DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Omprakash Pande (IPS), DIG CRPF North Sudhir Kumar Singh, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal (JKPS), CO 115 Bn. CRPF S.K. Pradhan, and SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Ravinder Pal Singh.
The team inspected the temple premises and its surrounding areas, with a focus on security deployment, crowd management strategies, and traffic regulation plans. Special attention was given to ensuring smooth access routes, adequate parking facilities, and essential amenities such as sanitation for the convenience of pilgrims.
IGP Birdi instructed senior officers to maintain high vigilance, enforce strict access control measures, and ensure the provision of all necessary services to make the pilgrimage spiritually enriching and safe for all devotees.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Devotees gather at the sacred temple built around a spring to offer milk and kheer (rice pudding) to Goddess Ragnya Devi. With final preparations nearing completion, authorities are confident of a secure and well-coordinated celebration this year.