Jammu: Arvind Karwani on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review arrangements for the annual Jyeshta Ashtami Mela Kheer Bhawani Yatra 2026, scheduled to be observed on June 22.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Relief, Assistant Commissioners Relief, Chief Accounts Officer, Zonal Officers, Camp Commandants, Camp Incharges from the Kashmir Valley and representatives of various social and religious organisations associated with the conduct of the yatra.
The review covered arrangements for major pilgrimage sites including Mata Kheer Bhawani Tulmulla, Mata Kheer Bhawani Asthapan Tikker, Khanabari Devsar, Kheer Bhawani Asthapan Manzgam and Mata Ragnya Bagwati Asthapan Trust Logripora.
Representatives of various organisations highlighted several requirements for smooth conduct of the yatra, including transportation, boarding and lodging facilities, water and electricity supply, sanitation, installation of tents, availability of essential commodities and blankets, medical facilities, fire tenders, repair of roads and lanes, cultural programmes and security arrangements.
During the meeting, Dr Arvind Karwani emphasised the religious and cultural importance of the Mela Kheer Bhawani festival, particularly for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
He assured that all necessary arrangements would be made in coordination with the concerned district and divisional administrations to ensure smooth and better conduct of the yatra compared to previous years.
The Relief Commissioner also directed senior officers of the Relief Organisation to visit various yatra sites in Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam and Kupwara districts to assess ground requirements and coordinate with district authorities and religious organisations for timely completion of arrangements before the commencement of the pilgrimage.
