Mon Jun 02 20:32:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela in Kashmir, a significant festival for Kashmiri Pandits, is seeing a subdued response in 2025 following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Despite assurances of increased security and calls for participation from political leaders, the number of devotees is significantly lower than the previous year. Leaders emphasize the festival’s importance as a symbol of communal harmony, citing past instances of local Muslims protecting the shrine. Authorities have implemented measures to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims who do attend.

**News Article:**

**Fear Casts Shadow on Kheer Bhawani Mela After Pahalgam Attack**

*Srinagar, June 3, 2025* – The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, a vital religious festival for Kashmiri Pandits, has begun under a pall of fear following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. While security has been significantly increased, the number of devotees attending the festival at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, has plummeted compared to last year.

Official figures indicate that the initial wave of Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims has dropped to 2,500, down from approximately 4,500 in 2024. The drop in attendance is attributed to anxieties stemming from the recent attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians and also due to the recent four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan.

Despite the apprehension, political leaders are urging devotees to attend the festival, emphasizing its historical significance as a symbol of communal harmony. Congress leader Karan Singh implored devotees to show their strength in faith, stating, “We must not be afraid and must show the world that we are strong in our faith.”

Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti highlighted the role of local Muslims in preserving the shrine even during the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, underscoring the long-standing mutual respect between the two communities.

“This sacred festival has played a vital role in fostering communal harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect among the diverse communities,” said J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari.

The district administration has implemented a range of facilities to ensure the well-being of devotees, including food and water provisions, medical teams, ambulances, and mobile ATMs. The festival is being held at multiple locations across Kashmir, including Tulmulla, Tikker, Devsar, Manzam, and Logripora. While the atmosphere remains tense, organizers hope that the Kheer Bhawani Mela can still serve as a testament to resilience and communal harmony in the region.

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