Diplomat Correspondent
Ganderbal, DD: The serene grounds of Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla witnessed more than just a religious gathering on today—it became a powerfull celebration of Kashmir’s spirit of unity, as Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits came together in an emotional and unforgettable reunion.
Thousands of Pandits, many returning after years, thronged the ancient shrine to mark the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most sacred pilgrimages in their calendar. They were greeted not just by the spiritual aura of the temple, but by the warm hospitality of local Muslims who lined the roads, offering water, flowers, and smiles.
“This is not just a mela; it’s a moment where time pauses and hearts speak,” said Zahoor Ahmad Dar, a local Muslim from Tulmulla. “We grew up with these families. They are our brothers and sisters. No matter what happened in the past, we welcome them home with love.”
For many Kashmiri Pandits, the journey was more than religious—it was deeply personal.
“Coming back here brings tears to my eyes,” said Sunita Pandita, who traveled from Jammu with her family. “I see familiar faces—Muslim neighbours who still remember us, who embrace us as if we never left. This is the Kashmir I remember, the one I dream of every day.”
The temple complex reverberated with mantras, temple bells, and the sounds of laughter and conversations in Kashmiri—a language shared, a culture once fractured, now gently mending itself.
“This is the real Kashmir,” said Ghulam Nabi Mir, a retired schoolteacher who served kehwa (traditional saffron tea) to arriving pilgrims. “We want our Pandit brothers to return, not just for this day, but for always. Peace begins when we open our doors to each other.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who visited the temple and interacted with devotees, said:
“This sight of unity and devotion reflects the true soul of Kashmir—where faiths meet, and people live as one family.”
As the sun set behind the temple’s sacred spring and the last of the chants echoed through the valley, Tulmulla had told a story the world often forgets—a story of healing, hope, and the unbreakable bond between a land and its people(DD)