Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir – An Insight to the Indian Cultures

I have always believed that festivals and fairs of Jammu and Kashmir are true reflection of India’s social heritage and diverse culture. Just like other states of India, J & K too abounds with assorted fairs and festivals round the year which speak high of Jammu and Kashmir Culture. During my stay on my recent trip to this destination, I actually realized that here, the festivals are celebrated with immense joy and fanfare, irrespective of any religion. Diwali or Id are equally celebrated with enthusiasm just like Lohri. Let me tell you about some major festivals and fairs of J & K: 

Baisakhi – Welcoming the New Year of Sikh Community

Celebrated in April, this festival has great significance for the Sikh Community as it marks the start of their new year. Since J & K has Sikh community in large number, this festival demands great celebration and enthusiasm. This festival brings along with it celebration and hosting of different fairs which last for some days and weeks. If you want to shop for traditional stuff, then visiting J & K during these days is an ideal idea. 

Id-ul-Fitr and Azha – Occasions of Celebration and Kurbani

These two festivals of the other Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir are prominent for the Muslim community and are celebrated with great zeal in Jammu and Kashmir because of large population of Muslims here. On this festival day, the Muslims offer prayer six times instead of five times. They exchange gifts, invite people on feasts and wear new clothes. On occasion of Ed-Ul-Azha, a goat is sacrificed where as in some places sheep and camel offer their kurbani. 

Hemis Festival – Popular Buddhist Festival of India

This festival is celebrated in J & K’s Ladakh region. People across the state enjoy and cherish this festival much. A large courtyard in a monastery is decorated, stories are recited to people, wearing of traditional dresses is encouraged and dance & music is held. 

Lohri – Marking the Oncoming of Spring Season

Also celebrated as Makar Sankranti, during Lohri people gather around bonfire, dance, and sing, throw rice into fire and exchange sweets. People clean their souls by taking bath in Holy River in Jammu. People wear new clothes while the young boys perform special dance. 

Other festivals which too are celebrated with great enthusiasm are Diwali, Dussehra, Urs, Christmas and New Year. Besides this, the state has many fairs too mainly Purmandal Mela, Jhiri Mela, Mansar Food and Craft, Bahu Mela, and Chaitre Chaudash. These fairs and festivals are considered perfect place where we get to see religion confluence beneath one roof.