FESTIVALS Location : Jammu and Kashmir Major Festival : Hemis Festival, Leh Religious Festivals : Lori and Baisakhi What To Do : Shopping, Tasting Kashmir Cuisine and Taking a Holy Dip

Festive Celebration In Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh Festivals

Amarnath Yatra

Vaishno Devi Yatra

The colors of celebration that fill the heart and soul of every traveler who visits this place at the time of festivals is the unique feature of this state that makes you carve the dream to visit this place again and again to enjoy the festivals here. Religious fervor and the zeal and zest with which every celebration is observed, captivates the sense of every visitor. In spite of the different religions being followed in the state the festivals means a day of joy and celebration to one and all without any consideration of religion, caste or creed. Festivals in the state means dance, delicacies and dynamism, all the people come together and share sweets and dance the whole night, but only after completing the religious obligations associated to these festivals. Let us have a look at the festivals you are supposed to participate and cherish, and the places where they are celebrated most.

Lohri and Baisakhi – Festivals of Seasonal Changes

The two festivals of Lohri and Baisakhi are celebrated with much fervor in the Jammu region. Lohri is celebrated on 13th of January every year to welcome the spring season and this festival is also known as the Makar Sankrati. While Baisakhi is celebrated on 13th April and is the harvest festival of North India and time is considered as most auspicious time for the marriage. Visit, Jammu region at the time of these festivals and you will find that taking a holy dip on this day is an essential part of celebrations. Chajja and Bhangra dance are the famous dance of the North India, you can experience on these festivals. Come to enjoy this gala time with the natives of the state.

Festivals Associated With Saints

The land that has given birth to the renowned saints and sages have a custom of celebrating their Urs or death anniversary of the Sufi saint. Urs of Khankah and Chrar-E-Sharief are one of the important festivals in Kashmir, where people from all corners of the valley throng the shrines of these Sufi saints and the whole day is spent in prayers. The people associated with the shrine or its custodians invite their relatives and friends to participate in the prayers at shrine and afterwards have a meal with them. In Jammu all the people congregate at the Jhiri village 14 km from Jammu the celebrate the annual fair of Jitu Baba, who preferred to kill himself than give into the atrocities of his tyrant landlord. Participate in Jhiri Mela and it is supposed that it is the day of appointment for Baba and his followers.These festivals reflect the diverse culture and the rich social heritage of the people, visit the mela's and enjoy the perfect festive environment besides knowing the culture.

J and K Tourism Organized Fairs and Festivals

To promote tourism in the state many festivals and fairs are organized by the tourism department. The Hemis Festival of Leh, Kargil festival and Mansar Food and Craft Festival in Jammu. These festivals attract the tourists from all over the world. Hemis festival is the most important festival organized at the Hemis Gompa, 45 km from Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. In this festival the Lamas dance with the sacred masks and this festival denotes the triumph of good over evil. The three meter long trumpets that are played with the dance performance and the dress of the Ladakhi's is a unique feature of this festival. The main venue for the 3 day Mansar festival held in Baisakhi season is the picturesque Mansar Lake, cherish the typical cuisines of the state in this festival. Besides it also showcases the rich treasure of the state crafts. You cannot resist the temptation of Kashmiri Wazwan and other Dogra delicacies. And is undoubtedly the best place to shop for the genuine crafts items of Jammu and Kashmir.

On The Festive Trial

Visit the state at the time of festivals and it is the best time to understand the culture and social legacy of its people. Every festival gives a reason to its denizens to enjoy with full zeal and excitement. The dance that is the part and parcel of the state festivals add a charm to it and the colorful attire of the dancers and the music according to which they make the rhythmic moves fascinates everyone around. Participate in the festivals of Jammu and Kashmir and you will find yourself lost in the festive conjure.