The shrine of Mata Kheerbawani witnessed an unprecedented surge in pilgrims, with over 1.87 lakh devotees making the spiritual journey in the year 2023 marking a historic milestone.
From January to December 2023, a remarkable 1.87 lakh pilgrims visited the revered temple in Tullamulla in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, surpassing previous attendance records. The temple’s cultural and religious significance is evident in the substantial influx of tourists, exceeding 1.87 lakh in the year 2023. This pilgrimage not only enriches the spiritual experience but also contributes significantly to the local economy, fostering tourism-related businesses and creating employment opportunities.
Bilal Bhat, a campaigner, social reformer and motivational speaker explains that every year, pilgrims from different states visit Tullamulla, and the important message is that the local community, including all stakeholders, remains on their toes to serve the pilgrims in terms of support, cooperation, coordination, and services. The divisional, district and tehsil administrations remain vigilant to make all facilities available for devotees of Mata Kheerbhawni.
The people of Tullamulla, have always shown communal harmony towards the masses. Kashmiris are welcoming the Pandits returning to their homeland. 1.87 lakh devotees visited the temple in 2023. It is a testament to its cultural and religious value. Such a large influx of tourists brings many benefits to the local economy, promoting tourism-related businesses and generating employment opportunities. A local youth from Tullamulla, Ganderbal, Mir Naveed, quotes that nearly 1.87 lakh devotees and tourists visiting the temple in 2023 “is a clear indication of communal harmony, brotherhood, and unity, which is still intact. The shopkeepers, vendors and other small traders are dependent directly or indirectly on the devotees who visit the temple, boosting the local economy of the Tullamulla village. The Civil Society Tullamulla has requested the administration to make all necessary arrangements for the devotees inside and outside the temple so that they do not face any hardship during the visit to the temple.