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About Kheer Bhavani

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About Kheer Bhavani

Kheer Bhavani Mela is held on Jyeshtha Shukla Ashtami, called Zyeth Atham, in May or June. It is the biggest day at the temple of Mata Ragnya Devi in the village of Tulmulla, in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir.

The small white marble temple stands on an island in a holy spring, under tall chinar trees. Devotees offer kheer of rice and milk, sugar, milk and flowers into the spring, which gives the goddess her loved name of Kheer Bhavani.

Many believe the water of the spring changes colour, and that its shade gives a sign of the year ahead. Devotees fast, pray and light lamps through the night, sing bhajans and share the kheer as prasad with everyone.

Kashmiri Pandit families come from Jammu, Delhi and across India to pray at Tulmulla, and mela days are also held at other temples of the goddess. Local Muslim neighbours set up stalls of flowers and milk and help the pilgrims, making the day a warm sign of friendship in the valley.

How people celebrate Kheer Bhavani

  • Offering kheer and milk into the holy spring
  • Fasting and prayers to Mata Ragnya
  • Lamps and bhajans through the night
  • Kheer shared as prasad
  • Families gathering at Tulmulla from across India
  • Flowers and milk from neighbours' stalls

How to wish well

  • Kheer Bhavani is a day of prayer, so wishes of blessings, peace and home suit it best.
  • "Mata Kheer Bhavani ki jai" is a loving line to share with Kashmiri Pandit friends.
  • Families far from the valley will value a wish that remembers the chinar trees and the spring.
  • For colleagues, a short, respectful wish is best.

Questions about Kheer Bhavani

When is Kheer Bhavani Mela?

On Jyeshtha Shukla Ashtami, called Zyeth Atham, in May or June. The date for each year is shown on this page.

Where is the Kheer Bhavani temple?

At Tulmulla, in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir, about 25 km from Srinagar.

Why is the goddess called Kheer Bhavani?

Because devotees offer kheer, the sweet rice and milk pudding, into her holy spring.

Who is Mata Ragnya Devi?

A form of the Divine Mother, deeply loved by Kashmiri Pandits as the goddess who watches over the valley and its people.

Why does the spring change colour?

Many devotees believe the water changes colour, and that its shade gives a sign of the year ahead. It is part of the faith of the place.

What is offered at Kheer Bhavani?

Kheer, milk, sugar, flowers and lamps are offered at the spring, and kheer is shared as prasad.

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