GANDERBAL, JUNE 20: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama, today accorded a warm welcome to the first batch of devotees who arrived in the district to participate in the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at the revered shrine in Tulmulla.

The devotees were received at the transit accommodation centre established at the Central University of Kashmir, where the district administration has made arrangements to ensure a comfortable stay for the pilgrims.

Interacting with the devotees, the DC extended greetings on behalf of the district administration and conveyed best wishes for a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. He assured them that all necessary facilities have been put in place for their convenience and well-being.

The administration has ensured availability of essential services, including accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, healthcare facilities, transportation assistance and security arrangements. Help desks have also been established to assist devotees and provide timely information.

The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most revered religious gatherings of the Kashmiri Pandit community, attracts devotees from across the country who visit the sacred shrine to pay obeisance and seek blessings.

Senior officers of the civil and police administration, officials from line departments and public of District Ganderbal were also present on the occasion.