Omar Abdullah Inspects Preparations for Khir Bhawani Festival in Jammu and Kashmir

Chief Minister Visits Khir Bhawani Temple

On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Khir Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal. During his visit, he participated in prayers and reviewed the arrangements for the upcoming Khir Bhawani festival. As the representative of the Ganderbal constituency, he assessed the preparations being made for the festival scheduled for June 22.

Speaking to the media, Abdullah highlighted the significance of the Khir Bhawani festival, stating that people from around the globe would come to seek blessings from the deity. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for the devotees.

The Chief Minister engaged with temple priests and local officials to identify any shortcomings in the preparations. He mentioned that discussions with the priests revealed a few requirements that need to be addressed before the festival. Abdullah assured that the government would provide all necessary support for the smooth conduct of the event.

The Khir Bhawani festival is a vital annual religious celebration for the Kashmiri Pandit community, held at the Khir Bhawani Temple located in Tulla Mulla village of Ganderbal district. This temple is dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga, known as Ragnya Devi, and is regarded as one of the holiest sites for Kashmiri Hindus.

The annual festival at the renowned Ragnya Devi Temple near Srinagar features 'Khir,' a dish made from milk and rice offered to please the goddess. Khir Bhawani is sometimes referred to as the 'Goddess of Milk.' Worship of Khir Bhawani is common among Hindus in Kashmir, many of whom regard her as their protective deity.