Handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir – Face of the State’s Culture

The first word that comes to our mind when we think about Jammu & Kashmir is the state’s unique handicraft industry. Handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir are considered as one of the best in the world. The state, with its unparalleled beauty all around, has been nicknamed rightly as “paradise on earth”. Creating handicrafts is an important occupation of the people of this state. Many people make handicrafts to earn their daily bread. The craftsmanship of local artisans is highly commendable. Many tourists from across the world come to the state to buy handicrafts from here. 

Excellent Varieties of Handicrafts 

While there are so many things that define the culture of the state, handicrafts clearly rule the roost. Here are some of the most famous types of handicrafts that are produced in the state:

• Wood carvings – Carvings made out of walnut and chinar wood form an important part of the state’s handicrafts. Furniture, decorative boxes and other items are intricately carved with wood by the local artisans and put on display at the innumerable handicraft stores here.
• Paper Mache – Items made of coloured paper pulp are in great demand in Jammu & Kashmir. The mould made from this paper mache is used to make items like dolls, souvenirs and the like.
• Carpets – Kashmiri carpets are world famous. These are fine yards of wool and silk woven personally by the artisans without the interference of any machines. Carpet making in Kashmir has been the tradition since many centuries now. The art was introduced to the state from Persia and even today, the carpets of Kashmir have a heavy Persian influence on them.

Essence of the State’s Culture 

It is not surprising then, that these handicrafts have grown on to become the true representation of the culture of Jammu and Kashmir. There are not many places in the world that have earned a name of themselves in the field of handicrafts. Jammu & Kashmir figures right on top of the list here. Once you visit the state and have a personal experience of the rich handicrafts here, you will understand as to why there is a huge international market for the goods manufactured here. Items like shawls and carpets are indeed quite expensive here; however it is worth every penny because the quality of these items is top-notch and unique. Spun and woven by artisans with their hands, these items are world-famous for their quality and durability.

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.