More than 9,000 pilgrims, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, departed from Jammu for the culturally and religiously significant Kheer Bhawani temple in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Saturday, officials said.
With pilgrim participation reaching new highs this year, officials expect a significant turnout at the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela. The event is considered one of the most important religious festivals for the Kashmiri Pandit community, who celebrate it with great devotion and joy.
The pilgrims left for the Valley in 200 Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation buses under elaborate security arrangements.
Earlier, officials said more than 7,000 devotees, predominantly Kashmiri Pandits, had registered for the annual yatra.
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the revered shrine.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, on Tuesday, chaired a detailed meeting to review arrangements for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela Yatra, which was flagged off from Nagrota on June 20.
He held threadbare discussions on the arrangements to be made by various departments concerned, an official spokesman said.
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