Srinagar, June 22 -- Thousands of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir and different parts of the country gathered at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district on Monday to participate in the annual mela held on the occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami.

Devotees started arriving at the shrine early in the morning and offered prayers at the temple dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, popularly known as Mata Kheer Bhawani. The shrine witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day as worshippers sought blessings for peace, prosperity and well-being.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also visited the shrine and paid obeisance on the occasion. Officials said he prayed for the welfare of the people and the progress of the Union Territory....