Jammu And Kashmir

Tradition and Culture of Jammu & Kashmir:

Jammu & Kashmir is a mix of various cultural and rich heritage. It is believed to be the origin of Indo-Aryan Civilization which was taken to a great height. But after the entrance of the Islam it accepted Islam also and most of the culture and tradition is now of Islamic tradition. People of Jammu & Kashmir are very fond of art and craft, handicrafts, etc. The major religion is Islam but people also follow Hinduism and Buddhism. The main language of this place is Kashmiri but people also speak Hindi and Urdu. Srinagar is famous for it’s a handlooms and handicrafts. The famous Pashmina shawl of Kashmir is world renowned.

Fairs and Festivals of Jammu & Kashmir:

The fairs and festivals in Jammu & Kashmir is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Jammu & Kashmir are:

• Baisakhi: Baisakhi the harvest festival marking the beginning of a new year is an important festival of North India and also in Jammu and Kashmir. During this festival, people visit the rivers, canals and ponds near their houses to take a bath. It is also a historic day when the tenth Guru, Guru Govind Singh Ji formed the khalsa sect in the year 1699.
• Lohri: The festival of Lohri is celebrated on 13th January every year which welcomes the spring season. According to rituals, people take a bath in the holy river, and perform puja in houses and temples. 'Chajja' dance is an integral part of this festival.
• Jhiri Mela: Held in the month of October/ November, Hiri Mela commemorates the courage of an honest farmer who preferred to give his life rather than getting defeated by the wickedness of the local landlord. He used to live in a village named Jhiri. The Mela earned its name from the village.
• Bahu Mela: The beautiful Kali temple in the Bahu Fort serves as a venue for the wonderful Bahu Mela. The fair is held twice a year in March/April and September/October.
• Mansar Food and Craft Mela: Stretching for three days, Mansar Food and Craft Mela is celebrated at the Mansar Lake, which is 60 km from Jammu. The fair is organized by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in the month of April. It is the best place to see and buy beautiful handicrafts of the state.
• Purmandal Mela: The religious fair of Purmandal is dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. Held in the month of February/ March on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, the fair celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati. The mela lasts for three days.

Must Visiting Places In Jammu & Kashmir:

• Bahu Fort:- It is one of the most attraction of Jammu. Bahu Fort is one of the oldest fort of Jammu which is believed that it is dated back to 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan. And during the 19th century it was restored by Dogra rulers. The major attraction of the fort is Bahu Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the goddess considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power.
• Raghunath Mandir:-  Raghunath Mandir is one of the major temple of Jammu which is consists of a complex of seven Hindu shrines, each with its own Shikhara.  It is also one of the largest temple complexes of north India. Raghunath Mandir is devoted to lord Rama. The temple was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh of the Jamwal Rajput during 1822–1860. It was the major place of worship for Dogra royal family.
• Shiv Khori:-The Shiv Khori is the one of the major cave temple of Jammu. It is renowned for its natural formation of a shivalinga that is about 150 meters long. This cave temple dedicated to lord Shiva.
• Bagh-E-Bahu:- It is the major attraction of Jammu. Bagh-E-Bahu is situated along the fort of Bahu. The beautiful garden is laid identical to Mughal Garden and is situated on the embankment of Tawi River. It is said to be, the fort was built by an earlier ruler and was reconstructed during 19th century by Raja Gulab Singh.
• Amar Mahal Museum: - The Amar Mahal is one of the most popular attraction of Jammu, which was established in 1890 by King Raja Amar from Dogra Dynasty, by a French architect on the lines of a French Chateau. This palace was built by red sandstone, located on the right bank of the Tawi River.It houses over twenty five thousand books on history, among which the volumes associated with Raja Amar Singh are noteworthy.
• Dogra Art Museum:- Dogra Art Museum is another major attraction of the town. The Museum was inaugurated by Dr. Rajender Prasad on 18th of April 1954. Dogra Art Museum houses over 800 rare articles and paintings of historical significance. There are separate galleries, where paintings have been displayed which was associated with Jammu, Kangra schools and Basholi.
• Ranbireshwar Temple:- Another popular shrine of Jammu, Ranbireshwar Temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883. The temple is devoted to the Lord Shiva. There are various shivalingas along with a Nandi Bull, located within the temple complex.
• Dal Lake:- It is one of the major tourist attraction of the Srinagar. The Dal Lake is renowned for its beautiful houseboats and Shikaras. It is the second largest in the state, which stretch from Dal gate to Nehru Park. You can take a Shikara ride to Nehru Park, an island on the Dal Lake with a café, speed boats and other water sports activities such as water skiing and surfing etc.
• Nishat Bagh: - Located on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh is one of the most popular attraction of Srinagar. The Nishat Bagh was founded in 1633 by Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan. It is known as one of the largest Garden made during the Mughal era. It is surrounded by mountains, built over 12 terraces levels, rich with chinars and cypresses and the some of the rare species of the blossoms.  The garden offers the breath-taking view of the lake beneath the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range.
• Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden:- It is one of the major attraction of Srinagar. Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is locatednear to the Dal Lake, on the foothill of Zabarwan Mountains. It is one of largest tulip garden of Asia, which is spread over 90 acres which is houses over 70 varieties of colored tulip flowers. An annual Tulip festival is organized here during the month of April.
• Nagin Lake: - Nagin Lake is another major attraction of Srinagar, which is also known as “Jewel in the Ring”. It is a mildly eutrophic lake, considered as a part of the Dal Lake and it is connected to the Dal Lakevia a narrow strait. A ride on the Jhelum River from Zero Bridge one of the popular attraction which gives offers the splendid view of the surviving riverfront mansions along with historic wooden Kadals (bridges). The water of this Lake is much clear then Dal Lake.
• Shalimar Bagh:- Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal Garden located in Srinagar northeast of the Dal Lake. This bag was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan in 1619. Although the history of Shalimar Bagh predates the Mughals and as per some references it existed during the reign of Vakataka dynasty which ruled the region during 2nd Century by its king Pravarsena II.
• Sri Pratap Singh Museum:- Sri Pratap Singh Museum was established in 1898, housing various rare terracotta heads of 3rd century and also large range of terracotta plaques dated back to 4th to 5th century.  Along with this it displays a green stone figure of Lord Vishnu sitting on a Garuda, ancient brass model of Lokeshvara, 5th century copper image of Buddha designed in Gandhar style.
• Shankaracharya Temple:- Shankaracharya Temple is situated on the top of Shankaracharya Hill, which is equally sacred shrine for Hindus and Buddhist religion. It believed that the temple was visited by Adi Shankara. The temple was probably established by Jaluka, the son of Emperor Ashoka at around 200 BC and the present structure probably dates back to the 9th century AD. It is located at an elevation of 1,000 feet, which offers the spectacular view of Pir Panjal mountain range.
• Hazratbal Mosque: - Hazratbal Mosque is one of the holiest place for Muslims. The Mosque is located on Dal Lake and is brilliant example of Mughal and Kashmiri architecture. This is the one of the most famous mosque of Srinagar, situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake.
• Jama Masjid: - It is the oldest mosque in Srinagar which was built in 1674, The Jamia Masjid of Srinagar is located at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city.It has 370 pillars, four spires tower, and prayer halls. It is also known as the Friday Mosque. The Mosque was established in 1394 by Sultan Sikandar shah kashmiri shahmiri.
• Pahalgam:- Located at the distance of about 87.7kms from Srinagar, Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination and most beautiful hill station of Jammu & Kashmir. The town is situated on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet above the sea level. This amazing town issurrounded by thickly wooded pine forests, splendid vistas of meadows and the breathtaking snowcapped Himalayan Mountains. There are various tourist activities are also available here such as golfing, trekking, white water rafting on Lidder River, angling etc. The town also serves as the base camp during the Amarnath Yatra.
• Sonmarg:- Sonmarg is another most popular tourist destination of Jammu & Kashmir. It is located at the distance of about 80kms from Srinagar. This picturesque town is situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, surrounded by snow-covered mountain and dense forest of alpine trees. It is an ideal destination for camping also one of the main base camp for trekking to several mountain lakes such as Satsar. Gangabal, Gadsar and Vishansar etc.
• Gulmarg:- Situated at the distance of about 50kms from Srinagar, Gulmarg is one of the mostpopular hill station Jammu & Kashmir. Lies on the foothill of Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas. Gulmarg is renowned for skiing, golfing and other winter sports. The town is located on the foothill of Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,650 meters above the sea level.
• Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary:- Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attraction of the region, which is situated at about 28kms away from Jammu. The Sanctuary is spread over an area of 34 sq kms, declared as the protected area in 1990, to preserve and protect the depleting green cover of the state. It is the home of various endangered species of birds and mammals. Some of them are such grey langur, wild boar, Rhesus monkey, Bharal and Leopard.
• Surinsar Lake:- Surinsar is one of the most beautiful tourist attraction of Jammu region, which is situated at about 49kms away from the town. A temple is located near Surinsar Lake known as “Nag Devta Temple”. An annual fair held here during the month of August.
• Mansar Lake:- Situated 62 km from Jammu, Mansar Lake is one of the most scenic lake of the region. The lake is surrounded by forest covered hills along with few temples are located here such as Sheshnag Temple, Narsimha temple, Umapati Mahadev. You can also enjoy the boating on Manasar Lake, Boating facilities provided by the tourism board of Jammu & Kashmir.

Cuisines of Jammu & Kashmir:

Rice is the staple food which is eaten with various type of veg and non-veg dishes. Some of the popular dishes are combination of lotus root and fish, Spinach and Chicken, Dum aloo. The green tea known as Kahwa is very famous of Jammu & Kashmir.