Hundreds of devotees gather at Ragnya Devi temple for annual festival
Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits thronged the Ragnya Devi temple in Tulmulla village of Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday to celebrate the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela on the occasion of Jyeshta Ashtami. Devotees from across the country offered prayers for peace, brotherhood, and a dignified return to the valley, reviving the spirit of Kashmiriyat.
A multi-layer security ring was thrown around the temple complex and along the route leading to the shrine, according to officials. The temple, nestled under mighty chinar trees, wore a festive look as devotees congregated at the shrine complex.
Devotees perform rituals at sacred spring
Walking barefoot and carrying rose petals, devotees jostled to move closer to the main temple complex as devotional songs played. They offered tribute to the goddess, with men taking a dip in the stream close to the shrine. Devotees paid obeisance by offering milk and kheer (rice pudding) at the sacred spring within the complex.
It is believed that the colour of the sacred spring water, which flows below the temple, indicates the situation in the valley. While most colours have no particular significance, black or darkish water is believed to signal inauspicious times for Kashmir. This year, the water was clean and milky white.
Devotees pray for peace and return from exile
Chinmay Pandita, a devotee from Jammu, said: “A huge number of devotees has arrived for the Mela this year. I prayed that the deity keep everyone happy, safe and let peace be there.” He praised the support of the local Muslim community, adding: “There is a tremendous support of the locals at every level. They are very supportive.”
Another devotee, Mansi, expressed satisfaction over the arrangements. “The administration has made very good arrangements. Security arrangements are top notch. There is deployment at every place. No doubt, there are very good security arrangements, but otherwise also, we did not feel any fear. The atmosphere is very good,” she said.
The community prayed for peace in the valley and for their dignified return, putting an end to their banwas (exile).
Local leader highlights Hindu-Muslim bonhomie
Sanjay Saraf, a local Kashmiri Pandit leader, said the annual Mela has always been a true example of Hindu-Muslim bonhomie. “Every Kashmiri waits a year for this Mela. Muslims also wait so that they can see their Pandit brothers. We all pray there is a revival of the true Kashmiriyat,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, said the administration has put in place all arrangements for a smooth and comfortable stay of the devotees.
