Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, June 20

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Devyani Rana on Saturday flagged off the annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra from Nagrota, leading more than 8500 yatris on a journey to the revered Mata Ragnya Devi shrine in Kashmir and other associated pilgrimage sites.

A convoy of 214 buses carrying devotees departed from the Nagrota toll post amid religious chants and prayers ahead of the Jyeshtha Ashtami celebrations.

The event also marked a continuation of a tradition associated with Devyani Rana’s late father, Devender Singh Rana, who had regularly participated in the ceremonial flag-off during his tenure as legislator from Nagrota.

Following his death in 2024, Devyani first attended the event in 2025 as a BJP youth leader. Saturday’s ceremony was her first as an elected MLA after winning the Nagrota assembly by-election in 2025.

Addressing reporters, Rana said she hoped the pilgrimage would promote peace, prosperity and communal harmony.

Officials said pilgrim registrations had increased significantly this year, reflecting improved security conditions and enhanced facilities.

The pilgrimage includes visits to shrines at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar-Manzgam in Kulgam and Logripora in Anantnag, with the main congregation scheduled at the Mata Ragnya Devi temple in Tulmulla.

The yatra will conclude on June 22, coinciding with Jyeshtha Ashtami.