International Desk: The annual Hinglaj Mata Naani Mandir Mela in the Republic of Balochistan concluded on Saturday after a fortnight-long pilgrimage that drew nearly half a million devotees to one of Hinduism’s most revered Shakti Peeths.
Held in Balochistan’s Lasbela region, the mela saw pilgrims undertake arduous journeys across desert and mountainous terrain to reach the Hinglaj Mata cave shrine, regarded as a major centre of devotion to Maa Bhavani. Devotees travelled in caravans, offering prayers and participating in rituals during the annual gathering.
The temple, locally known as Naani Mandir, also holds cultural significance among the Baloch people, with local communities reportedly assisting pilgrims through hospitality, guidance and support during the event.
Set within the vast Hingol National Park, the shrine is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of mountains, mud volcanoes and the Hingol River, adding to the spiritual and ecological importance of the pilgrimage. The protected region is also known for its wildlife and unique geological formations.
Organisers and supporters of the pilgrimage described the mela as a symbol of shared heritage and cross-border faith, with the shrine continuing to attract devotees from across the region. Its status as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths has reinforced its significance in Hindu religious tradition.
The press release also outlined aspirations to improve infrastructure and access for future pilgrims, including a proposal for visa-on-arrival arrangements for Hindu devotees visiting the shrine.
The annual mela remains one of the largest religious gatherings in the region, combining faith, tradition and cultural coexistence in a remote yet historically significant part of Balochistan.
