DODA: The serene meadows of Bhal Padri in Doda district witnessed a historic moment as the first-ever Bhal Padri Forest & Tourism Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur.

Organized by the Educational, Environmental, Social, Sports & Cultural Society Bhallesa (EESS&CS) in collaboration with the District Administration Doda, J&K Tourism Department, Forest Department (Bhaderwah Division), J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Mera Yuva Bharat Doda, and Civil Society Bhallesa, the festival showcased the region's spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and immense tourism potential.

The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness, sustainable tourism, and community participation while bringing Bhallesa's hidden gems to the forefront of Jammu & Kashmir's tourism map.

The festival drew a large gathering of locals, tourists, officials, and cultural enthusiasts. Among the distinguished dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Chairman, District Development Council (DDC) Doda, Dhananter Singh Kotwal; MLA Bhaderwah, Daleep Singh Parihar; Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh; Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Sandeep Kumar; CEO Bhaderwah Development Authority Joginder Jasrotia and Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah, Sunil Bhutyal. They were joined by the SDM Gandoh, the Commanding Officer of 4 Rashtriya Rifles and several other officers, all of whom lent their presence and support to the grand celebration.

The vibrant programme featured traditional music, Tarana-e-Bhallesa, folk dances, a unique joint Naat and Bhajan performance symbolizing unity, and an emotional tribute to ancestors. Distinguished guests were felicitated with mementos, while students from CSAM-HSS Kilhotran performed the National Anthem and other cultural items that captivated the audience.

Several competitions and activities infused adventure and community spirit into the day, including a 2 km Run for Bhallesa, an 8 km Eco Walk, Dekhlo folk dance, Tug of War, horse race and the tree plantation drive "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam."

The evening concluded with a soulful Mushaira - "Shaam-e-Sukhan: Bhallesa Ke Naam" - where renowned poets and artists recited their verses, celebrating the literary heritage of the region.