Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD) Amid elaborate security arrangements, devotional chants, and spiritual enthusiasm, the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra was flagged off today for Kashmir by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti.
The flag-off ceremony took place in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Dr Arvind Karwani.
Also present on the occasion were several senior police and civil officials, including DIG JKS-Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, Director ULB Manisha Sareen, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, ADM Jammu Rakesh Kumar, SP Rural Jammu Brijesh Kumar Sharma, CAO Relief Shiwani Bhan, AC Relief Kailash Devi, Tehsildar Nagrota, SDPO Nagrota, and camp commandants and zonal officers of the Relief Organisation.
The Relief Organisation, in coordination with JKRTC, arranged buses for transporting nearly 2,500 pilgrims to attend the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, celebrated annually on Jyeshtha Ashtami, which falls on 3 June this year.
The mela will be observed at multiple traditional sites across the Kashmir Valley, including Tulmulla (Ganderbal) — the main congregation venue — as well as Tikker (Kupwara), Devsar and Manzgam (Kulgam), and Logripora (Anantnag).
The District Administration Ramban facilitated a scheduled halt for the pilgrims at Chanderkot, where arrangements were made for rest and refreshments before the yatra proceeded to its final destinations.
To ensure the comfort and safety of the yatris, district administrations at all pilgrimage sites, in collaboration with the Relief Organisation, have made comprehensive arrangements, including accommodation, langar services, and essential amenities.
The return journey of the yatris is scheduled for 4 June 2025 (DD)