J-K CM Omar Abdullah performs aarti, offers prayers at Kheer Bhawani Temple, reviews mela arrangements

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple to offer prayers and review preparations for the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela scheduled for June 22.

During his visit, Abdullah inspected facilities being arranged for devotees and interacted with temple priests and local officials to assess the readiness of the annual religious event. The Chief Minister said thousands of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to visit the shrine to seek blessings of Goddess Ragnya Devi during the mela.

Speaking to the media, Abdullah said he had come to personally review the arrangements and identify any pending requirements before the festival. After discussions with priests and administrators, he noted that a few works still needed to be completed and assured that the government would make every effort to finish them ahead of the June 22 celebrations.

The Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most significant religious festivals for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Held annually at the temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district, the shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, a revered form of Goddess Durga and one of the holiest sites for Kashmiri Hindus.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the administration's commitment to ensuring smooth conduct of the festival and providing all necessary support for devotees attending the event.