TULMULLA (GANDERBAL), June 22, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said the overwhelming participation of devotees in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela at the revered Ragnya Devi Temple in Tulmulla reflects the prevailing atmosphere of peace and normalcy in the Union Territory.
Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the country gathered at the historic shrine in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district to celebrate the annual festival, one of the most significant religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the temple, J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma said the increasing number of devotees attending the mela is a strong indicator of improving conditions in the Valley.
“People from every faith are here, people from every political party are here. They are serving the devotees. The number of devotees is increasing and it signifies that there is an atmosphere of peace in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Kashmir Valley,” Sharma said.
The BJP leader offered prayers at the shrine and sought blessings for the continued progress and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sharma said he prayed for sustained peace and development in the region and expressed hope that the positive changes witnessed in recent years would continue.
“We prayed that the situation, which has improved after the removal of Article 370, continues to remain such and Mata’s blessings continue on Jammu and Kashmir and India,” he said.
The Rajya Sabha MP also prayed for the well-being of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s continued rise on the global stage.
“We also prayed that Mata bless Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a long life, so that he continues to lead us when India takes a lead among the developed countries,” Sharma added.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela witnessed a vibrant display of faith, devotion, and communal harmony, with devotees, volunteers, and local residents joining hands to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event. The festival remains a powerful symbol of Kashmir’s rich spiritual heritage and the enduring bond of the Kashmiri Pandit community with the Valley.
