Muslims make arrangements for Hindus at Kheer Bhawani Fair(Video)

Kashmir

An annual fair at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district draws a large number of devotees, mostly displaced Kashmiri Hindus. It is a big draw with the Kashmiri Hindus, who were forced to leave the state during the height of militancy in the state. The Kashmiri Hindus, now settled outside Kashmir Valley, look forward to this festival. What makes this three-day festival significant is the participation of the local Muslims who make all the arrangements for the visiting Hindus. Some of the Hindu families, visiting the state for the first time since they were displaced in 1989, were overwhelmed when they were received by their Muslim neighbours with open arms. The temple is dedicated to Rajnya Devi, a revered goddess of Kashmiri Hindus. Every year, devotees throng the temple to pay tribute to the her. Walking barefoot, they offer milk and kheer (pudding) to the sacred spring, flowing beneath the temple. Later they mingle together and chant hymns in praise of the goddess.

ANI