Festivals & Cultural Events
Jammu & Kashmir is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and festivals, where Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh communities come together to celebrate with great enthusiasm. These festivals reflect the rich heritage, spirituality, and seasonal beauty of the region. Whether it’s the colorful tulips of spring, the mystical Sufi gatherings, the grand Buddhist rituals, or the vibrant Hindu celebrations, J&K offers a unique cultural experience.
A. Hindu Festivals in Jammu & Kashmir
1. Vaishno Devi Navratri (Jammu)
- Celebrated in March-April (Chaitra Navratri) and September-October (Sharad Navratri).
- Devotees from all over India visit Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra.
- The entire temple complex is beautifully decorated, with special bhajans and aartis.
2. Amarnath Yatra (Kashmir)
- An annual Hindu pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave, where a naturally formed ice Shiva Linga is worshipped.
- The yatra takes place in July-August, passing through Pahalgam and Baltal.
- Pilgrims undertake a trek through the Himalayas to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
3. Lohri & Makar Sankranti (Jammu)
- Lohri (13th January) marks the end of winter, celebrated with bonfires, folk dances, and feasts.
- Makar Sankranti (14th January) is celebrated by taking a holy dip in rivers and flying kites.
4. Baisakhi (Jammu)
- Celebrated on 13th or 14th April, marking the harvest festival and Sikh New Year.
- People visit Raghunath Temple & Ranbireshwar Temple in Jammu and enjoy traditional Bhangra and Gidda performances.
5. Ramnavami & Diwali (Jammu & Kashmir)
- Ramnavami (March-April) celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, with grand festivities at Raghunath Temple in Jammu.
- Diwali (October-November) is celebrated with fireworks, diyas, and prayers across the region.
B. Islamic Festivals in Kashmir
6. Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha (Statewide)
- Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (fasting month) and is celebrated with feasts, prayers, and charity.
- Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) is observed with sacrificial rituals and community feasts.
- The biggest celebrations take place at Hazratbal Shrine and Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
7. Urs of Sufi Saints (Kashmir)
- The death anniversaries of famous Sufi saints are observed with special prayers and Qawwali performances.
- Major Urs Festivals in Kashmir:
- Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Charar-e-Sharief)
- Urs of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti (celebrated across the valley).
C. Buddhist Festivals in Ladakh
8. Hemis Festival (Ladakh)
- Celebrated at Hemis Monastery in June-July, marking the birth of Guru Padmasambhava (founder of Tibetan Buddhism).
- Masked dances (Cham Dance) by monks depict the victory of good over evil.
- Tourists and locals gather to witness Ladakh’s grandest Buddhist festival.
9. Losar Festival (Ladakh)
- Ladakhi New Year, celebrated in December-January with prayers, cultural performances, and processions.
- People prepare special dishes and perform rituals to welcome good fortune.
10. Ladakh Festival (Leh)
- A week-long festival in September, showcasing traditional music, folk dances, and masked performances.
- Archery competitions, polo matches, and Tibetan opera add to the cultural vibrance.
D. Seasonal & Cultural Festivals
11. Tulip Festival (Srinagar)
- Held in April at the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, showcasing millions of blooming tulips.
- One of the biggest tulip festivals in Asia, attracting tourists and photographers.
12. Shikara Festival (Dal Lake, Srinagar)
- A summer festival (July-August) promoting Kashmir’s traditional Shikara boats.
- Includes Shikara races, floating markets, and cultural events.
13. Snow Festival (Gulmarg)
- Celebrated in January-February, focusing on winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
- Tourists and adventure lovers participate in various snow sports competitions.
14. Kishtwar Saffron Festival (Jammu)
- Celebrates the blooming of saffron fields in Kishtwar (October-November).
- Visitors enjoy cultural performances, folk music, and saffron harvesting experiences.
15. Jammu Summer Festival (Patnitop & Sanasar)
- A summer celebration of Dogra culture, featuring folk dances, music, and adventure activities.
- Held in May-June, attracting tourists looking for a cool hill station getaway.
Jammu & Kashmir’s festivals showcase its cultural richness, religious harmony, and seasonal beauty. Whether you want to witness traditional Kashmiri celebrations, Buddhist rituals in Ladakh, or Hindu pilgrimages in Jammu, J&K offers a vibrant mix of spirituality, art, and festivity.
Plan your visit during these festivals and experience the magical culture of India’s crown jewel!
