In the shadow of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, including tourists, Kashmir is witnessing a determined show of faith. Devotees—many of them displaced Kashmiri Pandits—are arriving at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, ahead of the annual Mela scheduled for June 3.The Pahalgam attack had sparked fear and outrage, with victims being targeted based on religion. The attack, among the deadliest since Pulwama in 2019, led to India launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Despite these tensions, pilgrims continue to gather at the revered shrine. “Mata Kheer Bhawani is our Kul Devi. We don't fear anything.

This is our land. Attacks like these keep happening, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to come and seek blessings," Rajesh Jyotsi, a devotee, told news agency ANI. Another pilgrim, Rakesh Kaul, said, “Our connection with Mata Kheer Bhawani is age-old. The situation remains tough, but our faith is tougher.

”Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, who offered his prayers at the temple earlier this week, acknowledged the challenge of conducting the upcoming religious festivals, but expressed confidence that all the necessary arrangements would be made for the smooth pilgrimage.

Abdullah had held a meeting with administrative officials in Gulmarg to assess the preparedness. Sharing images of the meeting on social media, the chief minister wrote: "Held a meeting of administrative secretaries/HoDs at Gulmarg today, joined by my cabinet colleagues, advisor, and MLA Gulmarg. Reviewed readiness for Eid-ul-Azha, Mela Kheer Bhawani, Amarnath Yatra & Muharram."Authorities have also assured tight security and facilities for pilgrims. Jammu SSP Joginder Singh said that security and other arrangements were in place to ensure a peaceful and smooth yatra. The Kheer Bhawani shrine holds deep emotional and religious value for Kashmiri Hindus, with devotees offering rice pudding (‘kheer’) to the goddess. For many, this pilgrimage is a powerful reclaiming of identity and faith.