Mehbooba Mufti Celebrates Kheer Bhawani Festival, Advocates for Peace in Jammu and Kashmir

Mehbooba Mufti's Visit to Kheer Bhawani Temple

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and PDP leader, Mehbooba Mufti, participated in prayers at the Kheer Bhawani Temple located in Ganderbal. This temple hosts the Kheer Bhawani Mela, a significant annual religious festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community, taking place in the village of Tulla Mulla. During her visit, Mufti emphasized that the PDP believes that the resolution of issues in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be achieved through violence. She stated that terrorism is not the answer and that a political process is essential. This political dialogue cannot occur until all Kashmiri Pandits return to their homeland.

A Celebration of Unity and Heritage

Earlier, during the Kheer Bhawani festival, Mehbooba Mufti extended warm wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community. This vibrant festival serves as a timeless testament to the enduring unity, harmony, and shared cultural heritage between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, showcasing their unbreakable bond to the world. She remarked that the Kheer Bhawani Mela is not merely a religious event; it is a celebration of their shared heritage and the unyielding connection between the two communities.

Values of Love and Compassion

Mufti highlighted that this festival reminds everyone of the values of love, compassion, and unity that define the spirit of Kashmir. She prayed for the dignified return of her Kashmiri Pandit brothers to their homeland and for lasting peace in the valley. The Kheer Bhawani festival, dedicated to Goddess Kheer Bhawani, is one of the most revered spiritual events for Kashmiri Pandits, attracting thousands of devotees to the sacred temple in Tulla Mulla.

Symbol of Hope and Resilience

Despite the challenges faced by the region over the decades, this festival remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and communal harmony. It powerfully represents the deep ties between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, who have stood shoulder to shoulder during turbulent times, demonstrating unity beyond religious and cultural divides.