The Kheer Bhawani temple management has announced that the temple is set to host its annual three-day mela starting today, with thousands of 'diyas' (earthen lamps) lit in tribute to the victims of the recent terror attacks in Reasi and Kathua.
According to the management, a total of 15000 diyas will be lit up in remembrance of the victims of the recent twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
The annual mela, celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits on 'Jyeshtha Ashtami,' attracts thousands of community members to Srinagar from within and outside Jammu and Kashmir to offer prayers to their patron goddess, Ragnya Devi.
One of the members of the temple management, Ardh Ratri Maha Regheneya Sewa Sanstha Trust, said, "The three-day mela will begin on Friday, and this year, we have decided to light the 'diyas' as a tribute to the nine people and a CRPF Jawan who lost their lives in recent terror attacks in Reasi and Kathua districts."
On Sunday evening, terrorists ambushed a bus returning from the Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district, killing nine people, including seven pilgrims from outside Jammu and Kashmir, and injuring 41 others.
Similarly, in a separate incident in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, a CRPF jawan was killed in a gunfight with terrorists, who were also neutralised.
He added, "We will offer our prayers for peace to the departed souls of the terror victims and patience to their families."
He also questioned the prevailing security scenario and said, "One fails to understand how terrorists are managing to enter Jammu and Kashmir and kill innocent people."
Several thousand members of the community have left for Kashmir to take part in the Kheer Bhawani mela there, and with the annual Amarnath Yatra commencing later this month, the government should take stern action against the terrorists and their supporters."
The temple has been given a facelift, like every year, and all arrangements are in place for the mela.
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