Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that over 30,000 devotees paid obeisance at Mela Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla, Ganderbal while as a Yatri Niwas to accommodate 1000 pilgrims will be completed next eight months in the district.
Talking to reporters, after paying obeisance at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla, Ganderbal, LG Sinha said that over 30,000 devotees visited the Temple this time. “The devotees were ferried in over 200 buses from Jammu,” he said.
The LG said that administration, relief trust and the locals of the area had ensured best possible facilities to facilitate devotees at the Temple.
“Last year, when I came here, pilgrims requested for a Yatri Niwas. I spoke to officials concerned and the Yatri Niwas that will accommodate 1000 pilgrims will come up in the next eight months,” he said.
The Lt Guv visited the temple on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami and paid obeisance to Mata Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being of one and all. He interacted with the devotees and extended his heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion.
He said the Yatri Bhawan, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 3.85 crore, will enhance the pilgrimage experience by offering comforting lodging and sanitation facilities. We are expecting to complete the Bhawan in next 8 months and it will accommodate 1000 pilgrims, he added.
The Lt Governor also appreciated the efforts of the District Administration, Relief Commissioner’s Office, Police & Security Forces and all stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the Mela.
During his visit to the holy shrine at Tulmulla, Ganderbal, the Lt Governor also interacted with the members of Kashmiri Pandit Community and discussed various issues.
Nuzhat Ishfaq, DDC Chairperson Ganderbal; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department; Shyambir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; senior officials of the Civil and Police Administration and pilgrims in large numbers were present on the occasion.
