Why in News? 

• The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has dampened the spirit and turnout for the annual Zyestha Ashtami festival held at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Kashmir. 

About Kheer Bhawani Festival 

• Mela Kheer Bhawani is an annual gathering of Kashmiri Hindus held at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi. 
• The festival takes place on Jyeshtha Ashtami (also spelled Zyeshta Astami), attracting thousands of devotees. 
• Located 30 km from Srinagar, the temple is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Kashmiri Hindus. 
• The temple derives its name from "kheer" (milk-rice pudding) offered by devotees into a sacred spring. 

Kheer Bhawani Temple