Jammu and Kashmir: Devotees gather near Srinagar for 'Kheer Bhawani' festival

Hundreds of devotees thronged Kheer Bhawani shrine near Srinagar on the occasion of Kheer Bhawani festival on Sunday.

The festival is held annually on the eighth day of the lunar fortnight of 'Jaishtha' month in the Hindu almanac.

The Kheer Bhawani shrine, located about 25 kilometres from Srinagar, witnessed the gathering of devotees of various faiths, who come here to offer prayers to the Goddess on this day.

"We pray to the goddess to keep us happy and provide prosperity. Devotees from far off places have come here to offer prayers. There is a lot of rush. Arrangements made are up to the mark. This day comes once in a year," said a devotee from Mumbai, PN Sangli.

The shrine is called 'Kheer Bhawani' as devotees offer milk and 'kheer' to the deity. The Goddess, also known as Ragnya Devi, is believed to grant her followers all wishes.

"We pray that goddess provides wisdom to everyone, especially ones who have lost their path, and vision, so that we can resettle in our homes," said another devotee, Vijay.