New Delhi: Kheer Bhawani temple is located 25 kilometres northeast of Srinagar, in the village of Tulmulla in Ganderbal. The temple honours Maa Kheer Bhavani and is built over a sacred spring. The goddess has several names, including Ragnya or Rajna. The word “kheer” means a milk and rice pudding offered to the goddess, so Kheer Bhawani can be translated as “Milk Goddess”. Many Hindu Kashmiris consider Kheer Bhawani their protective deity, also known as their Kuladevi.
The sacred spring is associated with its own unique set of beliefs. An annual fair called a mela is held here and is one of the largest gatherings of Hindus in the area, alongside the Amarnath pilgrimage. Maharaja Pratap Singh and Maharaja Hari Singh helped build and renovate the temple.
Mela Kheer Bhawani is one of the biggest religious events for Kashmiri Pandits. It is celebrated on ‘Zyeth Atham’, also known as ‘Jyeshtha Ashtami’, which falls on a Tuesday, June 3, 2025. This year, hundreds of people, mainly Kashmiri Pandits, travelled in a convoy of 60 buses from Jammu to the Valley early Sunday to take part in the annual fair in Ganderbal. Security arrangements were in place for the event.
A look at the images from the Kheer Bhawani Mela, held on June 3, 2025.
Devotees Pray at the Kheer Bhawani Temple Douring the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, in Ganderbal District (Photo Credit: PT)
Rituals Being Performed at the Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla Durring the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela (Photo Credit: PTI)
Devotees at the kheer bhawani temple (Photo Credit: PTI)
Devotees Perform Ritual at the Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla Douring the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela (Photo Credit: PTI)
Devotees Pray at the Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla Douring the Annual Kheer Bhawani Mela (Photo Credit: PT)
Kashmiri Pandit Devotees Offer Prayers at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Peth (Photo Credit: PTI)
A Woman Prayer at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Peth (Photo Credit: PTI)
