Popular Festivals Celebrated In Jammu And Kashmir That Represents Their Culture

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Rich in culture and diversity, The Kashmir is also known as “Paradise on earth”. Although, the large population at this beautiful state is of Muslim, there are Hindu families also living amidst green meadows of J & K. They do not celebrate only Muslim festivals but also Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi with great enthusiasm and rapture. Besides, main festivals there are some local rituals also which are conducted by the local public of Kashmir with respective to their religious views.

Kashmir brings a splendid view of the scenery on this earth and rituals to add an extra flavor to this beauty of the state. Ceremonies and fairs are the impeccable days to forget all the grudges and communal tensions and celebrate the occasion together in peace. In this article, you will read about major festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir that you must know. If you have flights to Srinagar during any festive season then don’t forget to indulge in the festivity to add delight to your excursion.

LOHRI

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Celebrated on every 13th of January, Lohri Festival signifies the end of peak winter. It is associated with the harvesting of rabi and sugarcane crops. It is celebrated by developing a bonfire and people dance around it on drum beats. The gur, rewri, peanuts and popcorn are distributed among the people celebrating the festival.  When it comes to celebrating together, may it be Hindu or Muslim, Kashmiris have the charm to watch.

SRI RAMA NAVAMI

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Rama Navami festival is celebrated as a birthday of Lord Rama and it is the main festival of Hindu religion. It is a part of Navratra and falls on the ninth day of the bright half as per Hindu calendar. Devotees keep a fast on this day and worship Lord Shiva at various shrines. The temples are decorated with flowers and marked by Rama Katha recitals. Free meals are also organized by few people and by some temples on this auspicious day.

TULIP FESTIVAL

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Kashmir is full of Tulip Garden and the festival is celebrated every year which seeks the attention of tourists all over the world. A wide variety of tulips are prepared specially for the festival and the state flourishes with this flower during the spring season. The non-Kashmiri people enjoy the enchanting and breathtaking sight of the gardens enriched with tulip flowers.  The celebration takes place in Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar where you can see a variety of handicrafts, luscious cuisine, and a few cultural programs.

BAISHAKHI

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It is a very prominent ceremony celebrated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This auspicious day signifies the end of winter season also; it is like a new year for Sikh people. It is a harvest festival of northern India that is celebrated by taking ritual dips in the holy water. The day is very special for Sikhs as their tenth Guru had formed Khalsa on the same day in 1699. Offering prayers in Gurudwaras, listening Kirtans and organizing Langar for devotees are some major attractions of this festival.

HEMIS FESTIVAL

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The ceremony is celebrated at Hemis Gompa which is the largest and richest monastery in Kashmir. People of Kashmir enjoy this auspicious day by dancing and playing musical instruments. The day is celebrated to remember the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava and Government announces the state holiday for the same day. Men can be seen well-dressed in a traditional style and women wear heavy jewelry and headgears. If you visit Kashmir during the time of Hemis Festival, it will definitely add sparkling stars to your trip.

EID AL ADHA AND EID UL FITR

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Eid Al Adha and Eid Ul Fitr are two significant festivals for the Muslim community which is celebrated in Kashmir with great zeal. Although, this ceremony is celebrated all around the world but Kashmir has a unique charm on this day. A typical routine is followed during Eid-UL-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha and an act of charity is also recommended on the occasion of both Eids. The festival is also known of Sacrifice day.

SHIKHARA FESTIVAL

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Shikara Festival is one of the latest added rituals in the list of Kashmir. The main aim of this ceremony is to promote tourism and it is celebrated every year during the month of July to August. The Shikharas are painted beautifully and decorated with flowers to participate in Dragon race and Canoe Polo matches in Dal Lake. The carnival brings a big smile on everyone’s face by organizing some cultural programs.

SINDHU DARSHAN FESTIVAL

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This is a 3-day festival which is celebrated every year from 12th to 14th June on the banks of Indus River. The ceremony is symbolic for the Indian Army who secures us from every sort of country dispute. It is not associated with a single religion and people from all religions, castes, and regions become part of this festival.  A huge number of people takes part in the festival and pour water in the Sindhu River. People sing the prayers at the bank of the river on the very first day and also a bonfire takesplace on the same evening. Some cultural programs and sightseeing takes place on the 2nd day followed by a grand celebration on the third day.

GUREZ FESTIVAL

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Gurez is the small valley in the Himalayas which offers the perfect vision of green meadows and mountains with a perfect destination for rafting activity. The ceremony takes place in this region in the month of July or August where a large crowd takes participate and showcase their talent with some outstanding handicrafts, cuisines and culture. Also, some fun activities take place on the same day which includes trekking, cycling, zorbing and rafting. Some paintings and drawing competition showcase the Kashmiri culture.

HOLI

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Holi is celebrated with great zest and zeal in all over India. Kashmiri people enjoy this festival for two days with different colors. The first day consists of fast and prayers with bonfires in the night. Also, this represents the end of chilled winters, whereas, the second days starts with playing with colors and water. A special dish is also prepared on this auspicious day.   

These were all the major festivals celebrated by Kashmiri people almost every year. So, whenever you plan your visit to Kashmir during any of these festivals, a new and unique experience will be added to your trip. Book your online tickets with EaseMyTrip and don’t forget to book your budgeted hotels too and enjoy these auspicious days with your family during your vacation trip.