Padri/Bhal Padri (Doda), July 20: The maiden Bhal Padri Tourism Festival witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with thousands of visitors celebrating the cultural richness and natural charm of the Chenab valley in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the event was also marked by serious lapses in traffic planning, leading to frustration, chaos, and disappointment for hundreds of families.
According to eyewitnesses, over 500 vehicles were stranded at Padri, unable to reach the festival venue due to unregulated traffic bottlenecks and mismanagement by the authorities. A long stretch of vehicles—visible in videos now circulating widely—were seen immobilized as official convoys were reportedly given priority, while ordinary citizens were left in limbo without any assistance or direction. Many disappointed visitors returned home without witnessing the festival, calling it a clear case of “administrative negligence”.
“This was not just poor management — it was exclusion. People came from far-off areas with families and children, only to be stopped a few kilometers short of their destination,” said one aggrieved visitor.In a widely discussed incident, youth leader Manoj Padha halted the vehicle of the DFO Bhaderwah, publicly questioning the double standards being applied.
“If the administration cannot ensure equal access, they have no right to celebrate in the name of the public,” he said.Despite the glaring logistical failure, the spirit of Bhallesa’s people saved the day at the festival ground itself.
The meadow of Bhal Padri turned into a carnival of colors and community strength, thanks to the relentless efforts of local volunteers and organizations who worked tirelessly to make the festival a reality.As visuals from the venue show, thousands who managed to reach celebrated amidst nature, music, and tradition — a true glimpse of what Bhallesa has to offer to the world.
But the administration’s lack of foresight in handling crowd movement has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. Observers say that if tourism is to flourish in remote destinations like Bhal Padri, basic infrastructure, inclusive access, and proper coordination are non-negotiable.
This year’s festival may have drawn a crowd, but it also left behind a serious question: who are these festivals really for, if hundreds of locals are turned away at the gates?
-By Mansoor Qadir, ITN.
