Thousands flock to historic Ragnya Devi Temple amid tears, prayers
Ganderbal, Jun 22: Amid chants of prayers, ringing temple bells and an atmosphere filled with devotion, the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela was celebrated on Monday with great religious fervour at the revered Ragnya Devi Temple, Tulmulla in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from across Jammu & Kashmir and different parts of the country converged at the historic shrine, turning the occasion into a vibrant expression of faith, nostalgia and communal harmony.
From the early morning hours, devotees thronged the temple premises to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Ragnya Devi, the presiding deity of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The shrine, considered one of the holiest religious sites for Kashmiri Pandits, once again witnessed 8 overwhelming turnout of pilgrims.
Beyond its religious significance, the annual mela once again emerged as a living symbol of Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. Local Muslim residents welcomed visiting devotees with warmth and affection, assisting them with flowers, milk and other items required for religious rituals. The scenes at Tulmulla reflected the Valley’s enduring ethos of coexistence, mutual respect and communal harmony.
One of the most touching aspects of the festival was the reunion of displaced Kashmiri Pandits with their former Muslim neighbours and friends. Emotional embraces, conversations and recollections of old times were witnessed across the shrine complex, bringing alive memories of a shared cultural heritage that has long defined Kashmir.
The festival was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, BJP leaders Sat Sharma, Ashok Koul and Ravinder Raina, J&K Congress President Ghulam Ahmad Mir, PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para and several other political and social leaders who paid obeisance at the shrine and extended greetings to devotees.
Senior civil and police administration officials also remained present throughout the day to oversee the smooth conduct of the mela. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal and other senior officers monitored arrangements and interacted with devotees. The administration had put in place elaborate arrangements, including security, transportation, sanitation, healthcare facilities, drinking water, power supply and emergency response mechanisms to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
Officials said extensive preparations had been made well in advance, while multiple departments worked in coordination to facilitate the smooth movement and comfort of thousands of devotees visiting the shrine. Medical camps, help desks, public convenience facilities and round-the-clock services were established across the mela area.
Speaking on the occasion, devotee Purna Pandita said the festival provides a unique opportunity for Kashmiri Pandits scattered across different parts of the country to reconnect with one another and with their roots. He said the community has worshipped Goddess Ragnya Devi for centuries and that the mela remains a vital link preserving their cultural and spiritual identity.
Another devotee, Sita Devi, who has been attending the festival for nearly two decades, appreciated the support extended by local Muslims and the administration. She said residents of Tulmulla have always welcomed devotees with open arms and ensured that pilgrims feel at home during the annual festival.
A local Muslim shopkeeper near the shrine said serving devotees during the mela has become a cherished tradition for many families in the area. He described the festival as a celebration of mutual respect and brotherhood that transcends religious boundaries.
