Srinagar, June 02 (KNS): Jammu & Kashmir – On the eve of Mela Kheer Bhawani, former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Kashmiri Pandit community.

In her message, Mehbooba highlighted the festival’s deep cultural and spiritual significance, calling it a symbol of unity, resilience, and shared heritage between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims.

“Mela Kheer Bhawani is not just a religious event; it is a celebration of our shared heritage and the unbreakable bond between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims,” she said. “This festival reminds us of the values of love, compassion, and unity that define the soul of Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelI pray for the dignified return of our Pandit brethren and lasting peace in the valley.”

The annual festival, held at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tullamulla, Ganderbal, draws thousands of devotees each year. Despite past challenges, the mela continues to serve as a beacon of communal harmony. Mehbooba recalled how local Muslims helped preserve the temple during turbulent times, showcasing the enduring spirit of Kashmiriyat.

She called upon all communities, especially the youth, to uphold these values and actively participate in the celebrations, carrying forward the legacy of tolerance, compassion, and coexistence that defines the Valley.(KNS)