Jammu and Kashmir government has made all necessary arrangements for the pilgrims wanting to visit the famous shrine of Kheer Bhawani in Ganderbal district on the occasion of an annual fair tomorrow.
"All necessary arrangements have been put in place for Kheer Bhawani Mela so that the devotees do not face any sort of inconvenience," an official spokesman said.
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits living within and outside the state are expected to pay obeisance at the temple dedicated to the goddess Rajnya Devi, popularly known as Kheer Bhawani.
The name 'Kheer Bhawani' is derived from the fact that thousands of devotees offer milk and "kheer" (pudding) to the sacred spring within the complex, as they believe the pudding turns black to warn of impending disaster.
Tourism minister G A Mir visited the shrine, 30 kms from here, and took stock of the arrangements made for the annual fair.
Mir stressed upon the officers to work with missionary spirit and proper coordination so that all possible facilities are made available to the devotees during Mela days at the 'Ashthapan'.
The Minister went around the shrine complex and directed the officers to ensure that devotees do not face any sort of inconvenience.
The temple complex has been constructed at a cost of Rs 16 crore, having 64 one-room sets, one prayer hall, two langars and two dining-halls, besides 64 bathrooms. The complex is also fitted with sewerage treatment plant and a 40-KW generator set.
Interacting with yatris, Mir assured them that government has taken all necessary initiatives for upgrading of various facilities for the visiting devotees at the various pilgrimage sites of the state.
"Reformative initiatives are under way to upgrade the boarding and lodging facilities at pilgrimage sites for the convenience of the devotees," he said.
The Minister also extended his felicitations to the people on the occasion of the festival and hoped it will open a new era of peace and prosperity in the State.
Fotedar paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State.
