Kheer Bhawani Mela

May 30, 2023

Kashmiri Pandits have embarked on the annual pilgrimage to Mata Kheer Bhawani or Ragnya Devi temple in Ganderbal, Jammu Kashmir.
The history of Mela Kheer Bhawani dates back centuries, symbolizing the reverence and devotion of the people towards the divine Mother Ragnya Devi.
It is observed on the Ashtami day during Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Jyeshta month (June – July).
The temple gets its name from kheer, or milk and rice pudding, that pilgrims pour into the spring inside the temple complex as an offering to the goddess.
- Legend has it that the water of the temple’s spring changes colour from white to red and black.
It is the largest gathering of Hindus in Kashmir after the annual Amarnath Yatra.