Srinagar, May 31: Inspector General of Police, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, on Saturday said that preparations have been made for the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela with the main function scheduled for June 3.
Speaking with reporters, the IGP said that devotees from various districts of the Puri Valley are expected to attend the event, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with paramilitary forces and traffic management teams, have made necessary arrangements to ensure smooth conduct.
He said these arrangements have been planned so that devotees do not face any issues and their safety is maintained.
Responding to concerns following the recent Pahalgam attack, he said the police have always made security arrangements and conducted reviews for the Amarnath Yatra.
“Strict security measures were in place during the event last year, and the same will be in place this year as well,” he added.
Earlier, Birdi, Deputy Inspector General Central Kashmir Range (DIG CKR) Rajiv Omprakash Pande, DIG CRPF North Sudhir Kumar Singh, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal, CO.115 Bn. CRPF S. K. Pradhan and SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Ravinder Pal Singh today visited the Kheer Bhawani Temple, Tulmulla.
The visit aimed to take a comprehensive stock of the security and logistical arrangements being put in place for the upcoming festival, which is scheduled to be celebrated on 3rd June 2025. The Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela is one of the most sacred and significant festivals for Kashmiri Pandits and is observed with immense devotion and fervour, attracting thousands of devotees from across the region and beyond.
During the visit, the IGP Kashmir conducted a detailed review of the security setup both within and around the Temple Premises. He also assessed traffic and crowd management plans, ensuring smooth movement and convenient access for the devotees. Special attention was given to the availability of adequate parking spaces and necessary facilities for pilgrims.
IGP Kashmir directed all senior district officers to maintain the highest level of alertness, ensure robust access control measures, and provide all essential amenities to facilitate a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling experience for the Devotees.
The officers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela 2025, upholding the sanctity and tradition of this cherished festival.