Faith prevails over terror, 18,000 Pandits gather at Kheer Bhavani temple in Ganderbal

- The lieutenant governor himself supervised the planning

- Unusual security arrangements in place due to targeted killings in Kashmir 2500 Pandits present

Srinagar: Faith has prevailed over terrorism in Kashmir Valley. It is estimated that about 15,000 Pandits gathered at the famous Kheer-Bhavani fair in Ganderbal. The Union Home Ministry has given these figures.

The day of Jestha Sud Ashtami is considered to be the manifestation of Mata Kheer Bhavani. It is estimated that about 15,000 Pandits attended the fair held there on Wednesday.

Mata Kheer Bhavani is an adored goddess of Kashmiri Pandits. Devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir visit Mata Kheer-Bhavani temple in Tul-Mulla, Ganderbal every year on the day of Jyeshtha Shukla Ashtami.

The fair is considered a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in the valley. But the fair has not been held in the last two years due to the Kovid epidemic.

Unusual security arrangements were put in place at this year's fair due to target killings. And the lieutenant governor himself was overseeing it.

A statement issued by the government after the fair said that a total of 15,000 devotees from across the valley were present on the day of Jeshtha Shukla Ashtami. And about 500 Pandits participated in the evening Aarti.

It is also said that the success of this Kheer Bhavani program is an auspicious sign for Amarnath Yatra. An official said the trip would take place despite the target killings.