This year too,thousands of devotees reached Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla,Ganderbal district,for annual pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir.
The festival was observed on June 22,2026 at temple dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi,an incarnation of Goddess Durga . For many devotees,this is not just one more religious event. It carries deep emotional connection,especially for Kashmiri Pandit community.
What stood out this time was how early people started coming in . Devotees began arriving from morning hours itself to take part in first aarti at 3 AM . That kind of devotion is not small thing ah,especially when many had travelled from Delhi,Mumbai,and Jammu.
And temple atmosphere also seems to have been fully festive . Sacred spring,lights,flowers,lamps,prayers… whole complex turned into one spiritual gathering space where families were offering prayers and seeking peace .
Few things clearly stood out in this Mela:
- Kheer Bhawani Mela was observed on June 22,2026 at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla,Ganderbal district .
- Devotees offered kheer (rice pudding) and flowers while praying for prosperity and well-being .
- Authorities put multi-layered security in place for safety of attendees.
As day moved ahead,the temple complex became busy with worshippers lighting lamps,offering prayers and also taking part in traditional dances . That mix of worship and culture is what makes this Mela feel bigger than just ritual only.
And tbh,for Kashmiri Pandit community,this kind of gathering carries extra weight . It is about remembering roots,keeping traditions alive and coming together even when times keep changing around them .
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also participated in celebrations,which shows how much importance this Mela still holds in Jammu and Kashmir’s public and cultural life . Families gathered,prayed for peace,and shared that same feeling of belonging .
By evening,atmosphere was charged with spirituality,but also with something deeper… like people were holding on to memory,faith and community at same time . And maybe that is what keeps bringing them back every year,despite everything…
