Description

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Context

The recent terror assault in Pahalgam has resulted in a decreased turnout for the annual Jyestha Ashtami festival at Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani shrine.

What is it	The Kheer Bhawani Festival (Mela Kheer Bhawani) celebrated on Jyestha Ashtami by Kashmiri Pandits.
Location of Celebration	Kheer Bhawani Temple, Tulmulla village, Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Deity Worshipped	Goddess Ragnya Devi, revered in the Kashmiri Hindu tradition.
Sacred Spring & Ritual	Temple built over a natural spring; devotees offer kheer (rice and milk pudding).
Religious Significance	Largest Kashmiri Hindu gathering in the Valley after the Amarnath Yatra.
Beliefs About Water Color	- Light color: Good times- Black color: Ominous sign (turned black in 1990 before the massacre)
Historical Legacy	Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh; renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh in early 1900s.
Ancient Mentions	Referenced in Rajtarangini (Kalhana), Bhrigu Samhita, and Ain-i-Akbari (Abu’l-Fazl).

Cultural Importance: For Kashmiri Pandits, particularly those who have been relocated, the shrine represents faith and identity.
Communal Harmony: Local Muslim groups help in festival arrangements, demonstrating community togetherness and harmony.
Spiritual Symbolism: The temple spring, Syandh, has spiritual significance and is not associated with the Sindhu (Indus) River.

Source: The Hindu

Practice Question:

Q. Consider the following pairs:

Tradition – State

1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

Options:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3