Tulmul

Anika Labroo

Kheer Bhawani is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Durga, located in the village of Tula Mula in Ganderbal district, near Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, India. Named after the traditional offering of “kheer” (a milk and rice pudding) made by devotees, this temple holds great significance as a major pilgrimage site, particularly for Kashmiri Pandits who visit in large numbers during the annual festival of Jyestha Ashtami. 

For the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, Kheer Bhawani symbolizes our enduring cultural and religious identity, especially amidst the exodus and turmoil of the late 20th century. Despite the challenges and displacement, the temple remains a focal point of our heritage, representing our steadfast faith and cultural continuity.

In the UK, we strive to maintain this spirit by holding an annual hawan, which helps us reaffirm and strengthen our communal bonds despite the hardships we’ve faced. Each year, on Jyeshta Ashtami, we gather to worship Mata Ragnya, our revered deity. This year marked the 10th anniversary of our hawan, a significant milestone reflecting the resilience and unity of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The hawan, featuring fervent prayers and traditional naveed (including walnuts and dum aloo), was held at the Sri Raja Rajeshwari Amman Temple in Epsom on June 29th. This event not only reinforced our cultural heritage but also highlighted our community’s enduring strength and commitment to preserving our Hindu traditions.

We pray that Mata Ragnya protect and preserve us all so that we continue to honour her with reverence for many years to come. Let the divine Mata Ragyna shower her blessings on us – always!