Over 4,000 Devotees, Including Kashmiri Pandits, Leave For Kheer Bhawani Mela In Kashmir. IN PICS

The Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra kicked off on Friday amid tight security in Kashmir.

The four-day pilgrimage started on Friday.

Nearly 4,500 devotees, including members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, on Friday left from Nagrota area to attend the annual Kheer Bhawani mela in Kashmir. (Source: PTI)

Kashmiri pandits were seen dancing as they prepared to leave for the annual 'Kheer Bhawani Mela' in Jammu on Friday. The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, which is celebrated on Zeisht Ashtami, will take place on May 28 at the shrines of Tulmulla (Ganderbal), Tikker (Kupwara), Laktipora Aishmuqam (Anantnag), Mata Tripursundri Devsar (Kulgam), and Mata Kheerbhawani Manzgam (Kulgam) in the Valley. (Source: PTI)

Kashmiri Pandits left for the yatra in batches. Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner K K Sidha and prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders jointly flagged off the yatra from the Nagrota area. (Source: PTI)

The Kashmiri Pandits were seen reciting religious songs as they left for the annual 'Kheer Bhawani Mela'. A large number of security personnel are escorting the yatra to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. (Source: PTI)

A devotee seen pouring oil in earthen lamps in preparation for the 'Kheer Bhawani Mela’. Around 60,000 to 70,000 migrant Kashmiri Pandits from various parts of India and abroad are expected to visit the five renowned temples this year. (Source: PTI)

The administration has taken several measures to make sure the yatra passes of peacefully. Rigorous security measures, including sniffer dogs, metal detectors, and thorough verification of devotees have been implemented. (Source: PTI)