Tensions in valley lead to dip in Kheer Bhawani mela visitors

The number of Kashmiri Pandits visiting the Kher Bhawani festival this year has seen a visible dip due to the tensions in the valley, especially after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat.
The annual Zeshta Ashtami festival was celebrated today at the famous temple of Ragnya Devi in Ganderbal district, 30 km from Srinagar, with the government making elaborate security arrangements.
But the shadow of the recent violence, especially after Bhat was killed in an encounter in Tral area of Pulwama district last week, played on the minds of the devotees.
"This year not many Kashmiri Pandits have turned up for mela because of the security situation. There have been protests especially after a militant commander was killed recently. So, somewhere, that is on the minds of the people," Shruti Bindroo, a devotee who had come from Delhi, said.

She said her family visits the temple every year and they would continue doing so in future.
"We will continue to come her irrespective of the situation. We want peace and brotherhood here. We want to live with our Muslim brothers in peace," she said.

Another devotee, Archana Pandit, said though the situation was bad, the security arrangements were strict and they did not face any hardship.
"Me and my family came here on May 25. The situation worsened on 26th, but we felt no trouble. There was curfew, but we faced no hardships. There is strict security this year," she said.

Chunni Lal, who visits the temple every year, said though the situation was not good at present, but hoped for blessings for the state from the deity.
"People were scared because of the unrest (in the valley) and that is why you are seeing less numbers this year. But once we reached here, we found that the situation is not as bad as it seemed," he said.
"The colour of the water (in the sacred stream which flows below the temple) is white, which bodes well for the future of the valley and the country," he said.
It is believed that the colour of the spring water which flows through the temple premises is an indicator of the situation in the valley.

While most of the colours do not have any particular significance, black or darkish colour of the water is believed to be an indication of inauspicious times for Kashmir.
Like last year, the water in the spring was clean and pure, which devotees believe is a good omen for the valley.
Another Kashmiri Pandit, Nanna Ji, said no one should feel threatened by the prevailing tensions as the devotees visit the temple out of faith. Politics should be kept out of it, he felt.
"I visit every year and have never felt any problem. We should not be afraid of the situation. That is politics, but we should keep it out of it. Politics and religion are separate," he said.

He said he visits every religious shrine in Kashmir and believes in true spirit of peace and brotherhood.
"A message of peace and brotherhood should go from here. We pray for peace. All Pandits want to return to Kashmir as we want to live together with Muslims," he said.