JAMMU: Over 8,500 pilgrims, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, left Jammu on Saturday for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela on Monday at five Ragnya Bhagwati shrines across Kashmir; most prominent at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Manzgam and Devsar in Kulgam, Logripora in Anantnag, and Tikker in Kupwara.“214 buses carrying pilgrims were flagged off by BJP’s Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana, marking the annual yatra on Jyeshtha Ashtami… This year’s yatra has seen a significant rise in pilgrim registrations due to the peaceful atmosphere, strengthened security, and extensive arrangements in place,” an official said.“Relief and rehabilitation organisation officials have been deployed at Tulmulla, Tikker, Devsar-Manzgam, Logripora and other pilgrimage destinations well in advance of the yatra, to oversee arrangements and coordinate among departments,” the official said.