SRINAGAR, Jan 6: At Tulmulla, the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple offered a complete makeover with the potential to create jobs for about 1.75 lakh pilgrims every year. The temple administration is hopeful about a rise in numbers in 2024 given the increasing foot traffic. The people in charge of the temple’s operations told “that the numbers now exceed those from prior years, attributing this increase to better infrastructure and a generally favourable atmosphere. “We have seen a significant rise in the number of pilgrims, and at the same time, we have observed an increase in the number of young people travelling to historical sites and temples. We expect the number to increase much more this year,” the temple’s chief priest said. He continued by saying that during the Amarnath Yatra, they also saw a crowd of between 50,000 and 60,000 pilgrims passing through the temple on their way back from the trek to the Holy Cave. Reena, a pilgrim visiting the temple with her family, observed, “There has been a significant improvement in the facilities provided to pilgrims here compared to earlier times, and this could be one of the factors contributing to the increased footfall.” The management of the temple declared that they had improved the surrounding area of the temple in a number of ways, with an emphasis on modernising the facilities.Muslims are also making a contribution in this way, making sure pilgrims have the finest experience possible, which reflects the altruistic service that these people provide to devotees from all across the nation. Some tourists even make contact with people who were formerly their neighbours when they were residents of this area. It’s more than just a visit for them. Locals reported that a rise in commercial activity surrounding the temple as a result of the increased pilgrimage has given rise to several job opportunities for the community. “A few years ago, there wasn’t much activity at the local market, and when there was, it was usually on Mela days. But as of late, things appear to be moving in the direction of a general improvement,” said a local.
