📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Una tantum
Local
J&K Govt. Reschedules Mela Pat Local Holidays in Bhaderwah, Bhalla
✍️ Daily Excelsior
🗓 16 Sep 2026, 08:32 PM
👁 10
The Jammu & Kashmir government has announced new dates for the local holidays associated with the Mela Pat festival in the districts of Bhaderwah and Bhalla.
The Jammu & Kashmir government released a notification on Thursday revising the local holiday schedule for the Mela Pat festival in Bhaderwah and Bhalla districts. The new dates, effective from 1 May 2024, shift the holiday period to 5–7 May, aligning it with the peak attendance window for the festival.
The change aims to accommodate the influx of visitors and ensure better crowd management during the three-day event. Local businesses and tourism operators have welcomed the adjustment, citing improved logistics and increased revenue opportunities.
Bhaderwah Municipal Corporation spokesperson, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, said the decision was taken after consultations with community leaders and festival organizers. "We believe the new dates will enhance the experience for both residents and tourists," he added.
The Mela Pat, a traditional fair celebrating local culture and crafts, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The government’s revision reflects its ongoing efforts to promote cultural tourism while maintaining public order.
The change aims to accommodate the influx of visitors and ensure better crowd management during the three-day event. Local businesses and tourism operators have welcomed the adjustment, citing improved logistics and increased revenue opportunities.
Bhaderwah Municipal Corporation spokesperson, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, said the decision was taken after consultations with community leaders and festival organizers. "We believe the new dates will enhance the experience for both residents and tourists," he added.
The Mela Pat, a traditional fair celebrating local culture and crafts, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The government’s revision reflects its ongoing efforts to promote cultural tourism while maintaining public order.