Mela Kheer Bhawani festival was celebrated in Jammu & Kashmir on Zeasht Ashtami. In 2019, the day fell on June 10. The devotees prayed at the famous Ragnya Devi temple in Ganderbal district, J&K.
Zyestha Ashtami is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits across the country and outside as the day marks commencing of annual pilgrimage.
Mela Kheer Bhawani:
Kheer Bhawani is a temple that is dedicated to the Goddess Kheer Bhavani constructed over a sacred spring. Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the biggest religious functions of displaced community of Kashmiri Pandits, who were forcefully evicted from Valley in 1990s by militants.
The devotees carry rose petals, walk barefoot, and offer tribute to goddess and offer milk and kheer (pudding) at sacred spring. It is believed that the colour of the spring which flows below temple will indicate of the valley’s well-being.
