In Frames: Defying fear, Kashmiri Pandits come home for annual Kheer Bhawani mela

June 3, 2025 by News Desk

Rayees Shah

Under the shade of ancient chinar trees and amidst heightened security, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits converged today at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla to celebrate the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, locally called Zyeth Atham. This significant religious gathering, held on Jyeshtha Ashtami, symbolizes not only spiritual devotion but also the resilience of a community reconnecting with its roots.

The Kheer Bhawani temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, holds profound significance for Kashmiri Hindus. Historical texts like Kalhana’s Rajatarangini reference the sacred spring at Tula Mula, believed to change colors as an omen. The temple’s current structure was established by Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early 20th century and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh.

Despite recent security concerns, including the tragic April 22 Pahalgam attack, devotees displayed unwavering faith. Rajesh Jyotsi, a devotee, expressed, “Mata Kheer Bhawani is our Kul Devi, and it’s our sacred duty to visit her. We don’t fear anything—this is our land. Attacks like these keep happening, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to come and seek blessings.”

The Jammu Kashmir government ensured comprehensive security measures. Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi stated, “All preparations have been carefully planned so that devotees do not face any problems.” Over 60 buses transported pilgrims from Jammu, with additional facilities like medical aid and accommodation provided.

For many, the pilgrimage is a poignant return. An elderly devotee, Ramesh Kaul, shared, “I left the Valley in 1990. Coming back here, praying under the same chinar trees, it’s like reliving my childhood.”

Young voices echoed this sentiment. Ten-year-old Meenakshi, visiting for the first time, said, “My grandmother told me stories about this place. Now I can see it myself. It’s beautiful.”

Women, too, emphasized the festival’s importance. Saroj, a first-time visitor, remarked, “This is my first visit. I had heard a great deal about this place. We are not afraid; these attacks are only meant to instill fear, and we must stand strong. I am not scared. There is no fear in visiting ‘Mata’.”

Political leaders across party lines also extended their greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wished the community “Zyeth Atham Mubarak”. He expressed warm wishes and heartfelt greetings to all celebrating adding, “the day was a celebration of harmony, heritage, and homecoming.”

“Mela Kheer Bhawani is a lustrous example of communal harmony and brotherhood which symbolize the centuries past glorious pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. I hope and pray the solemn occasion further strengthens the sense of kinship and unity among the people.”

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, extended her warm greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the auspicious occasion of Zyesht Ashtami (Mela Kheer Bhawani). “May this sacred day bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to all, the party said.

Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also extended warm wishes, calling the mela “a perfect example of religious harmony that has been a mainstay of our centuries-old culture and tradition.”

Ghulam Nabi Azad, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, noted, “The festival of Mata Ragnya Devi reflects the age-old tradition of bonhomie between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims as both communities come together at Tulmulla to celebrate the mela.”

The Mela Kheer Bhawani stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community, blending devotion with a deep-seated connection to their heritage and homeland.