Devotees thrilled as MelaKheerBhawani festivities begin
First group of KP’s reach temple from Jammu, other parts
Ganderbal, June 12: To ensure a seamless and secure conduct of the MelaKheerBhawani celebrations, authorities have finalized comprehensive security arrangements in the Tullamulla area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. With recent terror attacks in the Jammu region in mind, police officials have implemented robust measures to address any potential security issues, emphasizing the safety and ease of devotees attending the festival.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, SSP GanderbalSandeep Gupta said that the extensive security preparations have been made in view of recent terror attacks in the Jammu region.
“We have made stringent security arrangements here, studying various factors and the modus operandi of terrorists very well,” Gupta said.
Describing the safety of pilgrims as the topmost priority, Gupta said, “We want to ensure that devotees feel no threat and can visit the Mata KheerBhawani temple without fear. Our security forces are fully prepared to safeguard their well-being”.
In addition to the festival, SSP Gupta highlighted that all necessary arrangements are in place for the upcoming AmarnathYatra set to commence later this month. The police are committed to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage for all attendees.
Devotees are encouraged to participate in the festival with confidence, knowing that significant security measures have been put in place to protect them.
Meanwhile, the first group of Kashmiri Pandits arrived on Wednesday at the temple of Mata Ragnya Devi, a revered goddess of the Pandits, in the Tulmulla area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Members of Kashmiri Pandit community from different parts of the country flock to Tulmulla every year to celebrate their annual festival with great enthusiasm. The Ganderbal district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place.
Local sources reported that both Muslims and Hindus cooperated in making arrangements for the festival. As devotees jostled to move closer to the main temple complex, the chants of hymns echoed through the temple compound. Outside the temple, local Muslims set up stalls selling everything needed to perform the festival rituals.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shayambir, stated that comprehensive preparations have been made to provide Kashmiri Pandits with all the facilities they need, ensuring they face no difficulties. “Compared to previous years, we have made better arrangements this year for the pilgrims,” he said. He also confirmed that necessary security arrangements are in place both en route and inside the temple.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, and SSP TraffiC Rural Ravinder Paul and local residents accorded a warm welcome to Kashmiri Pandits.
Earlier, amid tight security arrangements, the annual Mata KheerBhawaniYatra was flagged off by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar from Nagrota today morning.
Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) J&K, SSP Jammu, SSP Traffic Jammu, Director Health Services, Joint Director Tourism, other officers and community leaders were present on the occasion.
The Divisional Commissioner said that all the necessary arrangements have been put in place en-route the Yatra by the concerned district administrations and stakeholder departments. The arrangements include busses for transportation, security, accommodation, langar and other facilities for the devotees.
Around 5000 yatris on board 176 buses left for different destinations of Mata KheerBhawaniMelavizTulmulla (Ganderbal), Tikker (Kupwara), Devsar&Manzam (Kulgam) and Logripora (Anantnag).
The main congregation will be held at Tulmulla (Ganderbal) on the auspicious occasion of ZyeshtAshtami on June 14, 2024. Relief Organisation, in collaboration with concerned district administration has made all the necessary arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrimage of the devotees of Mata KheerBhawani. Yatra shall return back on June 15, 2024, it was informed.
