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The community believes that the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is miraculous and the water body (Spring) inside the temple changes colour
Amid heightened security, Mela Kheer Bhawani is being celebrated at the Tulmulla area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Hundreds of devotees especially Kashmiri Pandits have gathered at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple to pay obeisance at the temple. Jammu and Kashmir Police along with other security agencies have beefed up the security around the temple and across Ganderbal district.
Mela Kheer Bhawani is celebrated every year at the Kheer Bhawani. The festival is considered one of the most important for the Kashmiri Pandit Community. Authorities said over 200 buses carrying the devotees have reached Tulmulla to participate in the festival. The authorities not only make sure to provide all the assistance to the devotees visiting but also secure the whole road and highway that connects to the Temple.
The community believes that the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is miraculous and the water body (Spring) inside the temple changes colour. They believe that if the colour of water goes towards the dark side, it means a calamity in waiting. Special prayers are held around this spring where devotees offer Milk and Kheer into the water spring.
The festival also brings the two communities Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims together. It also shows the brotherhood between the communities. Sometimes, the interactions between the two communities are very emotional and showcase the harmony and love between the two communities.
Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by four major attacks in the last few days after which security agencies were concerned about the security of Mela Kheer Bhawani and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Around 60 thousand troops will be deployed for the Yatra in the Valley and on the National Highway to secure the whole route.
Many search operations are still being carried out by the forces at Doda, Kathua and Reasi. More than 50 people have been detained by the forces in connection with the Reasi Attack. “District Police Reasi have detained 50 individuals in connection with the recent terrorist attack on a pilgrims’ bus in the Kanda area of P/S Pouni. The incident, which occurred on 09.06.2024, resulted in several casualties and left the community in shock and grief. The detentions were made following an intensive investigation led by the police at the Kanda Area Police Station, Pouni. Significant leads have been uncovered, aiding in the identification and capture of those who may be potentially involved in orchestrating the attack,” said J&K Police SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma.
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She further added, ”To ensure a comprehensive probe, search operations have been expanded to encompass the far-flung areas of Arnas and Mahore. These operations aim to uncover further evidence and apprehend terrorists who may be hiding in these remote regions. The law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area”.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have urged the locals to stay alert and inform them if they see any suspicious movement in their areas.
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