Bhushana at 00:21, 6 February 2026

2026-02-06T00:21:44Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bhalessa
| type = Region
| native_name =
| image_skyline = Religious_Heritage_Bhalessa.jpg
| caption = Clockwise: Jama Masjid Akhyarpur, Shiv Mandir Gandoh and Jama Masjid Gandoh
| pushpin_map = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Jammu and Kashmir
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = [[India]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|Union territory]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Administrative divisions|Division]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Jammu Division|Jammu]]
| subdivision_type3 = Region
| subdivision_name3 = [[Chenab Valley]]
| subdivision_type4 = [[Districts of Jammu and Kashmir|District]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Doda district|Doda]]
| established_title =
| established_date =
| founder =
| demographics_type1 = Language
| demographics_name1 =
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = Urdu, English
| demographics1_title2 = Local
| demographics1_info2 = [[Bhalessi dialect|Bhalessi]], [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Gujari language|Gojri]], [[Bhadarwahi language|Bhaderwahi]]
| coordinates = {{coord|33.03|N|75.90|E|display=inline,title}}
| area_total_km2 =
| population_demonym =
| population_total = 71,889<ref name="pop"/>
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| blank_name_sec1 =
| blank_info_sec1 =
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 182207
| registration_plate =
| website = {{URL|www.bhalessa.com}}
| population_footnotes =
| official_name =
}}
'''Bhalessa''' is a geographical area within [[Doda district]] in the [[Jammu region]] of India-administered Kashmir.<ref name="pop">{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=5420|title=CensusIndia.Gov.In Data|access-date=31 July 2020}}</ref> It consists of the [[Bunjwah]] and Bhalessa Valleys, and comprises the three [[Tehsil]]s of [[Kahara, Jammu and Kashmir|Kahara]], [[Chilly Pingal]] and [[Gandoh]].

==Name==
The name is written {{Lang|ur|بھلیسہ}} in [[Urdu]], {{Lang|hi|भलेसा}} in [[Hindi]], and {{Lang|bhd|𑚡𑚥𑚲𑚨𑚭}} in the [[Takri script]].

The area is known as ''Bhales'' ({{IPA|/bʱəˈles/}}) to outsiders, but inhabitants of the region use a variety of names, including ''Bhalessa'' ({{IPA|/bʱəˈlesɑ/}}), ''Bhalesh'' ({{IPA|/bʱəˈleʃ/}}, with variant {{IPA|/bʱəˈleiʃ/}}), and ''Bhal'' ({{IPA|/ˈbʱɑl/}}).<ref>{{cite book| last = Varma| first = Siddheshwar| year = 1948| title = The Bhalesī dialect| series = Monograph series (Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal)| volume = 4| place = Calcutta}}</ref>

The etymology of the name remains unknown. It has been suggested that it derives from the [[Sanskrit]] word for 'good' ({{IAST|bhalla-}})<ref>{{harvtxt|Varma|1948|p=2}} makes this suggestion but then goes on to throw doubts on the plausibility of such an etymology.</ref> or from the name of the 16th-century queen, Queen Bhalla of [[Bhadarwar, Himachal Pradesh|Bhadarwah]].<ref name="kmw-20122">{{Cite web|last=Malik|first=Sadaket|date=29 October 2012|title=Bhalessa cultural history|url=https://kashmirmediawatch.com/bhalessa-cultural-history/|access-date=25 July 2020|work=Kashmir Media Watch}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=August 2020|reason=we need to cite directly the scholarly source used by the author of this web page}}

== Geography ==
The Bhalessa region consists of two valleys: Bonjwah and Bhalessa. Bonjwah contains multiple streams, while Bhalessa contains the Kalgoni stream.<ref name="kmw-20122"/> The two valleys unite near [[Donadi]] and the streams merge into the [[Chenab river]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chenab River {{!}} river, Asia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Chenab-River|access-date=7 August 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>

The area is easily accessible from Churaha Wazarat of Chamba through passes such as Padri Gali and Mehlwar. To the north, it is flanked by the mountains of [[Kishtwar]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=District Kishtwar, Government of Jammu & Kashmir {{!}} Land of Saffron, Sapphire & Shrines {{!}} India|url=https://kishtwar.nic.in/|access-date=7 August 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>

Bhalessa contains various geographical hamlets, such as Neeli, Jitota, Pingal, Chilli, Nanota, and Basnota. Some other areas include [[Bhal Padri|Bal Padri]], Kanthi Dhar, Soin Bhagar, Naglotan,<ref name="tct"/> Goha Dhar, Jawali meadows, Ghasheer Top, Makan and Chashool, Ghati Dhar, Mehal Dhar, Damote Dhar, Lakhan, Kehan Dhar, Mashood Dhar, Mihaad Dhar, Bach Dhar, Nagni Dhar, Talaie, Dhosa Meadows, Rohari Meadows, Lamhote Meadows, Kota Top, Pangas Top Gwalo, Dhanaso Dhar, and Dulchi Dhar.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

==Culture==
Тhe official language in the Bhalessa region is [[Urdu]], which is used for administrative purposes. The main spoken language of the sub-district is [[Bhalessi dialect|Bhalessi]]. Other spoken languages include [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]] and [[Gujari language|Gujari]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kaul|first=Pritam Krishen|title=Pahāṛi and Other Tribal Dialects of Jammu|publisher=Eastern Book Linkers|year=2006|isbn=8178541017|volume=1|place=Delhi|page=73}}</ref>

During the winter, the nomadic people of the [[Gurjar|Gujjar]] and [[Bakarwal]]s come down to the plain and barren areas of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]. During the summer, they go deep into the mountainous valley of Bhalessa with their cattle where they produce milk, cheese, and ghee. During marriage celebrations, the Gujjars perform their folk dances.<ref name="kmw-2012">{{Cite news|last=Malik|first=Sadaket|date=29 October 2012|title=Bhalessa cultural history|publisher=Kashmir Media Watch|url=https://kashmirmediawatch.com/bhalessa-cultural-history/|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref>

Traditional industries such as [[Beekeeping in India|beekeeping]], sheep cattle rearing, handloom weaving, blanket making, and ghee production contribute to the cultural economy of Bhalessa.{{fact|date=March 2023}}

==Transport==
The route to Bhalessa from its nearest airport in [[Jammu]] goes through [[Batote]] via [[National Highway 144 (India)|National Highway 144]], the [[Chenani-Nashri Tunnel]], and [[National Highway 244 (India)|National Highway 244]] (known as [[Batote]] – [[Kishtwar]] National Highway), which later leads to [[Thathri]], which is just {{convert|30|km|mi|abbr=}} away from [[Kishtwar]]. To reach Bhalessa, it is necessary to leave the National Highway by a link road known as Thathri-[[Gandoh]]-Khilotran road.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jai Valley {{!}} District Doda {{!}} India|url=https://doda.nic.in/tourist-place/jai-valley/|access-date=8 August 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>

Concerns are often raised about the state of the roads in the region,<ref>{{Cite web|last=interalia|title=The deadly roads of Chenab Valley|url=https://thekashmirimages.com/2019/04/27/the-deadly-roads-of-chenab-valley/|access-date=21 September 2020|website=Kashmir Images Newspaper|date=27 April 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref> particularly the Thathri–Kilhotran Road, which as of July 2020 was still incomplete even after decades of construction.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Thathri-Kilotran-Soti road|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/thathri-kilotran-soti-road/|date=15 July 2020| publisher= The Daily Excelsior|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>

==Tourism==
Bhalessa has been a source of attraction for trackers and tourists.<ref name="tct">{{Cite web|title=A separate tourism development authority for Bhalessa|url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2020/07/21/a-separate-tourism-development-authority-for-bhalessa/|date=21 July 2020|publisher=The Chenab Times|access-date=25 July 2020}}</ref>

The area consists of green uplands, like [[Bhal Padri]], which can be a source of attraction for tourism. As of 2020, the inhabitants of the Bhalessa region are demanding a Hill District status and a Tourism Development Authority in order to exhibit tourism potential and for administrative convenience.<ref name="tct" /> As of July 2020, two potential spots have been identified for the creation of tourism assets in Block Changa.<ref>{{Cite news|date=19 July 2020|title=Tourism infrastructure set to take a leap in Bhalessa|publisher=India Education Diary|url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/tourism-infrastructure-set-to-take-a-leap-in-bhalessa/|access-date=2 August 2020|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117203007/https://indiaeducationdiary.in/tourism-infrastructure-set-to-take-a-leap-in-bhalessa/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The people of Bhalessa are represented at various levels, in sports, education, politics, civil services, and other diverse fields. Bhalessa is known for interfaith harmony, and religious communities continue to live in peace during turmoil.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
-there is a tallest mountain, (2415sq. ft)
that is "Gasher top" it shows a beautiful view of two states (J&K and Himachal Pradesh)

==Politics and administration==
Bhalessa has a Sub-Divisional Headquarter located at Gandoh that is controlled by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sub-Division Magistrate (SDM) Inaugurated Medical store at Doda district|url=http://www.thenewsnow.co.in/newsdet.aspx?q=37078/|date=9 January 2017|publisher=The News Now|access-date=7 August 2020}}</ref>

Bhalessa consists of three [[tehsil]]s: Gandoh, Chilly Pingal and Kahara.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tehsils in Doda|url=https://doda.nic.in/tehsil/|access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> There have been demands for a Hill District Status for these tehsils,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=73010/|title=Residents of Bhalessa demanding hill district status - Scoop News Jammu Kashmir|website=www.scoopnews.in}}</ref> as well as for the creation of a separate Tourism Development Authority<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tourism Development Authority|date=21 July 2020 |url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2020/07/21/a-separate-tourism-development-authority-for-bhalessa/}}</ref> and the post of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bhalessa Student protests, demands creation of the post of ADC for their area|url=https://scoopnews.in/det.aspx?q=72539/|date=7 November 2017|publisher=Scoop News| access-date=6 August 2020}}</ref>

According to political listings, Bhalessa is listed in the Bhaderwah constituency and Inderwal constituency. Notable politicians include:
*[[Ghulam Nabi Azad]], a [[Indian National Congress|congress]] leader from the Soti village of Bhalessa. He was the winning candidate in 2006 from the Bhaderwah constituency.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ghulam Nabi Azad retains Bhaderwah seat|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india/ghulam-nabi-azad-retains-bhaderwah-seat/story-2apmVSaLeIuGZQPcuhk8KJ.html|date=28 December 2008|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=3 August 2020}}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> He was also the [[Minister of Health and Family Welfare (India)|Minister of Health and Family Welfare]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.in/political-leaders/ghulam-nabi-azad.html/|title=Ghulam Nabi Azad Biography - About family, political life, awards won, history|website=Elections in India}}</ref> As of 2020, he serves as the leader of the opposition in the [[Rajya Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ghulam Nabi Azad named Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha |url=https://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/ghulam-nabi-azad-named-leader-of-congress-in-rajya-sabha/|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=9 June 2014}}</ref>
He also served as the Chief Minister of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008. On 26 September 2022, Azad announced his own political party as Democratic Progressive Azad Party.
*Mohd Sharief Niaz, a [[Indian National Congress|congress]] leader from Changa village in Bhalessa. He contested the 2009 assembly elections from the Bhaderwah constituency.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mohammed Sharief Niaz Man awakened Bhalessa |work=The India Post | Breaking News from India |date=5 July 2011 |url=https://www.theindiapost.com/nation/jammu/mohammed-sharief-niaz-man-awakened-bhalessa/ |access-date=3 August 2020 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120093229/https://www.theindiapost.com/nation/jammu/mohammed-sharief-niaz-man-awakened-bhalessa/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Daleep Singh Parihar]], a [[Bhartiya Janata Party|BJP]] leader from Batara village in Bhalessa. He is the former [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] candidate from the Bhaderwah constituency.

==Education==
There is a college in Kilhotran under the name of Government Degree College Kilhotran. Schools in Bhalessa work to impart education in rural villages.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Government Degree College Khilotran Gandoh Bhalessa|url=https://vymaps.com/IN/Government-Degree-College-Kilhotran-Gandoh-Bhalessa-Jammu-kashmir-India-1584869238251270/|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref>

Bhalessa also has a Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) to give technical training to young people.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Directorate of Skills Development, Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://www.jkdte.org/iti_trg_inst.htm|publisher=Government of Jammu and Kashmir|access-date=3 August 2020|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214215830/http://www.jkdte.org/iti_trg_inst.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There is an unprecedented growth of [[madrasa]] education in the area. The madrasas in Bhalessa include Jamia Gani tul uloom and Asrar ul Uloom.<ref>Sadaket Malik {{Cite web|title=Madrasah movement in Bhalessa Hamlet|url=http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/letters/letters2010_Bhalessa_Madrasah.html|date=4 January 2007|website=www.jammu-kashmir.com|access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref> Jamia Gani tul uloom is the largest seminary madrasa in the Jammu province.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19: Madrasa management offers hostel building for quarantine facility in J&K's Doda|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/04/covid-19-madrasa-management-offers-hostel-building-for-quarantine-facility-in-jks-doda-2125699.html/|date=4 April 2020|publisher=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=6 August 2020}}</ref> The Jamia was founded by [[Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri|Alhaj Ghulam Qadir Ganipuri]].

==Notable people==
* [[Ghulam Nabi Azad]], politician
* [[Mithun Manhas]], cricketer<ref>{{Cite news| title=Mithun Manhas appointed Chief coach of Delhi|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/sports/mithun-manhas-appointed-chief-coach-of-delhi/|date=5 September 2018|publisher=The Greater Kashmir|access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref>
* [[Chain Singh]], Olympian, shooter, Asian games medalist.<ref>{{Cite news| title=Asian Games medallist Chain Singh from J&K felicitated|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/Asian-Games-medallist-Chain-Singh-from-JK-felicitated/articleshow/44857379.cms|date=17 October 2014|work=The Times of India|access-date=4 August 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Chenab Valley]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Doda district]]
[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Jammu and Kashmir]]

Bhalessa - Revision history

Bhushana at 00:21, 6 February 2026