10 Charming Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir For Your Holiday In 2022

Kashmir is fondly addressed as the paradise on Earth. And why not? Its delightful dales and wonderful views cast a beauty spell. And the fairs and festivals in Kashmir enhance the charisma of this Northern state of India. People come together for the celebrations. They enjoy the festivities peacefully and amicably.

The merriments strengthen the bond among people. And bring them on the same platform. These festivals give one pure reason to everyone - happiness. These festivals cover the entire valley in the spirit of joy. The entire country celebrates a host of fairs and festivals throughout the year. And Jammu and Kashmir are no exceptions. The affordable Kashmir tour packages in 2022 help you enjoy the joyous celebrations. So here are the top 10 festivals of Jammu and Kashmir.

10 Charming Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir For Your Holiday In 2022

Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir are not just about the merriment. They also highlight the beauty of this paradisiacal land. Every celebration in this Himalaya’s favourite region echoes zeal and zest. You have an indulgent experience with fancy feasting and incredible merry-making.

These celebrations also give you an insight into the state’s culture and traditions. So, without further ado, let’s begin with some of the major festivals celebrated here.

1. Pahalgam Winter Festival: The month of February witnesses the Pahalgam Winter Festival. Local people and tourists rejoice to the fullest. This resort town of Kashmir reverberates with merriment and revelry. During this top festival in Kashmir, you can see several stalls that are set up selling crafts and tea.

Performances of local art forms are also done like Bandh Pather. Other activities at this carnival include a display of art and craft. Live painting, calligraphy, and cultural programmes are also organised. Stand-up comedy shows, musical events, street food, and art exhibitions are also enjoyed.

2. Urs: This festival in Kashmir is a huge inter-communal celebration. The valley witnesses Urs several times a year. This is because urs commemorate the death anniversaries of eminent Muslim saints. Meesha Sahib, Batamol Sahib, and Bahauddin are among such saints.

3. Purmandal Mela: As the name suggests, this fair is held in Purmandal town. Located 39 km from Jammu, the fair continues for three days. It is celebrated in February or March on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. So, the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati is the main attraction of the fair.

You can see the colourful celebrations all around. Festivities are the best at some sacred sites. These sites include Peer Khoh, the Ranbireshwar Temple, and the Panjbhaktar Temple.

4. Gulmarg Snow Festival: Starting in 2003, the Gulmarg snow festival promotes winter sports and tourism. Celebrated in March, this festival celebration in Kashmir continues for two days. People enjoy several snow sports and various delicacies during the fest.

Winter sports enthusiasts and adventure lovers look forward to partaking in this festival. Snowboarding, snow cycling, and snow tubing are among the activities to try. So, next time when winter arrives and it snows, think Kashmir and pack your bags.

5. Food and Craft Mela: Organised at Mansar Lake, the fair lasts for three days. Jammu & Kashmir Tourism organises it during Baisakhi. The venue is almost 60 km from Jammu. However, people attend it for the unique arts, cuisine, and handicrafts of the state.

6. Tulip Festival: Spring in the valley doesn’t come alone. It brings blooming flowers along with it. And tulips get the most attention. No wonder, it is celebrated every year to treat the tourists and locals alike with the season’s beauty.Tulip Festival is among the top 10 festivals in Kashmir. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is its venue. The garden comes alive with colours and fragrances every year during the first 15 days of April. Also, it is the largest tulip festival in Asia. People from different parts of the planet come to attend it. Almost 50 varieties of tulips are prepared especially for the festival.

7. Kheer Bhawani Mela:

The mela is hosted in Tullamulla in Srinagar. It is a much revered Hindu shrine devoted to the goddess Ragnya Devi. The mela witnesses numerous devotees visiting the temple. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the full moon in May.

People observe fasting on this day. They believe that the goddess changes the colours of the spring’s waters.

8. Shikara Festival:

Shikara is the lifeline and major attraction of Dal Lake. So, it deserves to be celebrated at least once every year. No wonder, the government of Kashmir began celebrating this festival in 2016. The months of July or August witness the festivities.

During the celebrations, Shikaras are decorated and painted tastefully. This festival celebration in Kashmir also includes some local sports. These include Shikara Race, Dragon Boat Race, and Canoe Polo Match. Other programs giving a glimpse of Kashmiri culture and traditions are also organised.

9. Gurez Festival:

Gurez is a calm valley tucked in the Himalayas at 8,000 feet of height. It is almost 123 km away from the capital of Kashmir. The valley stands on the ancient Silk Route. It is blessed with spectacular sights. Gurez is a great river rafting destination as it has the Neelum River flowing through it. The locals organise Gurez Fest annually in July or August.

During this festival in Kashmir, people exhibit their handicrafts, cuisines, and culture. The festivities include trekking, cycling, river rafting, zorbing, etc. Competitions are also hosted like drawing and painting. You can enjoy the colourful Kashmiri culture as well through myriad musical programs.

10. Saffron Festival:

The town of Pampore celebrates the festival every October-November. This flamboyant festival has a noble reason attached to it. The colourful fest is enjoyed for three days. This festival is organised to help the saffron cultivators to market their yield. It also aims at supporting the farmers to produce saffron in huge quantities.

During this festival celebration in Kashmir, a film show is organised. It depicts the sowing and harvesting of saffron. And its medicinal value and plucking of its flowers. A cultural show follows.

Almost every month, there is one or other celebration going on in Jammu and Kashmir. These celebrations are because of myriad fairs and festivals in Kashmir. So whenever you happen to be in this valley, you can be a part of festivities in all likelihood.