Kashmiri Pandits from across the globe will be congregating in the Valley to celebrate Jyeshtha Ashtami at Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, beginning June 8.
Members of the community will undertake a ‘yatra’ to theshrine, according to an official statement released by the organisers of thereligious procession.
“Kashmiri Pandits and the Muslim fraternity in the(Kashmir) Valley are seeing this yatra as a step towards the return of KashmiriPandits to their homeland.
“Efforts are being made by the Governor’s office andthe state administration is helping build the confidence among the exiledKashmiri Pandit community,” the statement said.
The state administration has this year also made thenecessary arrangements for travel and accommodation, it said. Jyestha Ashtamiis celebrated at the shrine of Khir Bhawani in Tullamula, Jammu and Kashmir inhonour of their patron goddess Ragnya Devi. Pilgrims come from all over to assemble at theshrine, offer prayers and worship at the foot of the goddess, and sing hymnsand songs in her praise. Khir (riceboiled in milk) is prepared on this day as a food offering.