Tulmulla, Kashmir (UNI) The annual “Mela Khir Bhawani”, the most important festival of Kashmiri Pandits, associated with the Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi, was today celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety. However, the number of devotees this time was less as compared to previous years due to rumours spread on social media outside the Valley, including Jammu. J&K Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir alleged that closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for four days had sent a wrong signal that the situation was bad in the Valley. Recent protests after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat along with another militant on May 27 in South Kashmir had no impact on the Mela as local Muslims made arrangements for the Puja for their Pandit brethren. Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference, Congress, Communist Party of India (M) and other social organisations have greeted people, particularly, the members of the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion. The Governor said that this festival was a shining example of communal harmony and brotherhood which symbolised the glorious pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Ms Mehbooba said Mela Kheer Bhawani symbolised the multi-religious and tolerant ethos of the State which has been an epitome of harmony and brotherhood since ages. Director General of Police (DGP), Dr SP Vaid, also greeted people on the occasion, saying that this festival reflected mutual brotherhood and the communal harmony of the state. The State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses were pressed into service to bring the devotees from different camps and migrant concentrated locations at Jammu to Khir Bhawani temple at Tulmulla yesterday. A number of political and social organisations, besides different departments had set up camps for the devotees while Muslim traders were selling flowers and milk and other article necessary for Puja
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