Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra 2026 flagged off from Jammu with record pilgrim participation

JAMMU, June 20, 2026 — The annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra 2026 officially commenced today as hundreds of pilgrims began their journey toward the historic shrine of Mata Ragnya Devi and other traditional destinations across Kashmir.

A fleet of 214 buses carrying approximately 8,500 devotees was ceremonially flagged off from the Nagrota Toll Post to mark the annual observance of Jyeshtha Ashtami. The ceremonial departure was led by Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana alongside Deputy Inspector General of Police for Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shridhar Patil, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani, and Additional Commissioner Jammu Sham Lal, alongside other senior civil and police officers.

This year’s pilgrimage has recorded a significant rise in registrations, an increase the administration attributes to a peaceful regional atmosphere, strengthened security measures, and extensive logistical arrangements, making the 2026 yatra one of the largest in recent years.

To ensure a seamless experience, senior and nodal officers from the Relief and Rehabilitation Organisation have been pre-deployed to key festival sites including Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar-Manzgam in Kulgam, and Logripora in Anantnag.

The annual Mela will feature its principal congregation at the Tulmulla shrine and is set to culminate on June 22, 2026, coinciding with Jyeshtha Ashtami, when thousands of additional devotees are expected to gather for prayers.