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Key Points

The Kheer Bhawani festival in Ganderbal, a significant event for the Kashmiri Pandit community, is set to receive robust security. IGP V.K. Birdi has assured that extensive measures are in place to ensure the safety and convenience of the pilgrims. The security arrangements follow a proactive approach, especially after past incidents in Pahalgam. With historical precedence of significant events linked to the spring's water color, the festival remains not just a cultural gathering but also a spiritual omen observer for the community.

Key Points: J&K Gears Up with Tight Security for Kheer Bhawani Festival

  • Robust security for Kheer Bhawani festival in Ganderbal
  • IGP Birdi assures safe gathering for Kashmiri Pandits
  • Past vigilance for similar events like Amarnath Yatra emphasized
2 min read

J&K: Sufficient security in place for Kheer Bhawani festival

Security has been reinforced for the Kheer Bhawani festival in Ganderbal, J&K, ensuring a safe gathering for Kashmiri Pandit devotees.

"Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure that the devotees do not face any inconvenience and their security remains a top priority. - IGP V.K. Birdi"

Srinagar, May 31

Adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming Mela Kheer Bhawani in J&K’s Ganderbal district, an official said on Saturday.

Srinagar, May 31 (IANS) Adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming Mela Kheer Bhawani in J&K’s Ganderbal district, an official said on Saturday. The annual Mela of Mata Kheer Bhawani, being celebrated on June 3, is the holiest local festival for the Kashmir Pandit community.

The spring shrine in Tullamulla town of Ganderbal district, 25 km from Srinagar city, is dedicated to the deity Ragnya Devi, the reincarnation of goddess Durga.

Local Kashmiri Pandits believe that the colour of the water at the goddess’s spring in Tullamulla foretells the coming events in J&K and the rest of the country. The pink or milky colour of the spring water is believed to be suspicious, while the dark black colour spells bad days ahead.

Elders in Tullamulla town say that in 1947, when the tribals invaded Kashmir, the water at the deity’s spring had turned black.

V.K. Birdi, IGP (Kashmir), visited the temple shrine on Saturday to take stock of the security arrangements for hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit devotees who come to the shrine from different parts of the country.

The IGP told reporters at the shrine that comprehensive preparations have been made to ensure a safe and smooth event for devotees. He said that a large number of pilgrims are expected to attend the festival.

“Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure that the devotees do not face any inconvenience and their security remains a top priority. Robust deployment and logistical support are in place to manage the crowd efficiently,” he said.

In response to concerns arising from the recent Pahalgam attack, the IGP emphasised that the security setup for such events is always meticulously reviewed and reinforced.

He reassured that measures adopted during last year’s mela, which saw an incident-free gathering, would be mirrored and further strengthened this year.

He further added that similar vigilance is being implemented for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, with routine threat assessments and area sanitisation underway.

“We remain committed to the safety of every pilgrim”, the IGP added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see security being prioritized for this sacred festival. Kheer Bhawani holds deep significance for Kashmiri Pandits, and they deserve to practice their traditions peacefully. Hope the water remains clear this year 🤞
P
Priya M.
The color-changing spring phenomenon is fascinating! Our ancient traditions have such profound connections with nature. While security is important, I hope the administration also preserves the temple's ecological balance.
A
Amit S.
Security arrangements are necessary but shouldn't make devotees feel like they're in a fortress. The spiritual atmosphere must be maintained. Maybe they can deploy more plainclothes personnel?
S
Sunita R.
My Kashmiri Pandit friends tell me this is their most emotional festival. It's heartwarming to see them returning to their roots. J&K's real beauty lies in this cultural diversity 🌸 Hope the mela becomes a symbol of harmony.
V
Vikram J.
The 1947 reference gives me chills. Our history is written in these sacred spaces. While we focus on security, let's not forget the need for proper documentation of these oral traditions before they're lost.
N
Neha T.
Hope the local Muslim community also participates in the celebrations like they used to in the past. That's the real Kashmiriyat we need to revive. Security is important, but so is rebuilding trust between communities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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