“If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here.”
Jammu and Kashmir deserve all the praise in this world. The beautiful land of diverse cultures, Jammu and Kashmir, never fails to amaze. The three provinces of the northernmost state are Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, which are all unique and fascinating.
Special fairs and festivals of the region offer a deep dive into the culture. The state’s tourism department has come up with individual activities and destination festivals to promote tourism in the valley after the pandemic.
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To attract foreign and local tourists, the department is organizing various events. Roadshows are being organized in different cities to promote tourism in the state. Academic seminars and exhibitions related to local arts and culture are planned for the last week of October.
Specific activities like Hokersar-Parihaspora-Gohan in Gulmarg, Nowgam Mawar-Lolab in Kupwara, Waderbala, and others are being organized to promote rural tourism.
Read more about traveling to Kashmir here: Beautiful Kashmir | Culture Inclusive Women Travel In 2021 (donnawanderer.com)
The tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir aims to develop 75 new tourist places in an integrated manner offering provisions of recreational activities, eateries, and restrooms. The culturally rich state provides a myriad of celebrations across the state. The festivals in Jammu And Kashmir will make you want to visit this paradise with all your friends once!
An important Tibetan Buddhist festival, it marks the birth anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa, an essential proponent of the Gelug branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Ladakh marks its new Year called Losar on the fifth day of Galdan Namchot. Extensive lighting of the Leh Palace, Monasteries, and homes are most notable.
Spituk Gustor Zanskar – 22 – 23 January
A Tibetan festival celebrated in the Ladakhi monasteries of Thiksey, Spituk, and Karsha Nanzkar. The festival is commemorated on 30th and 31st October every year.
Gustor stands for sacrifices made on the penultimate day of the month; it represents the victory of good over evil. You can witness the reenactment of the killing of the anti-Buddhist emperor of Tibet Langdarma by Buddhist monks. At the end of the festival, the sacrificial cake Torma is eaten.
Experience The Beauty Of Leh & Ladakh | Wonderful Landscape | Donna Wanderer
Hemis Festival – 30 June – 1 July
One of the most elusive and most colorful Jammu and Kashmir festivals is celebrated every 12 years at the Hemis Monastery at Hemis.
The festival esteems Lord Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche in the region. Ceremonies are elaborate and feature several ceremonial Tibetan items, and Mask Dancers perform the Chams Dance.
Tulip Festival in Jammu and Kashmir – 1 – 30 April
A modern-day festival of tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. About 50 species and dozens of colors of tulips are prepared specially for the festival. Tulip Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is a great place to witness the most gorgeous sights of the season in the city.
Losar – 24 – 26 February
Losar is observed for 15 days and is one of the prominent festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. An ornamental sheep’s head is made from colored butter, and incense made from rhododendron and juniper is commonly used in Ladakhi homes.
The folklore says that Ladakhi king Jamyang Namgyal was once told to postpone his war against Skardu until the end of winter, the traditional start of the new Year throughout Tibet. The king decided to celebrate the new Year two months early instead. Hence the early festival of Losar.
Sindhu Darshan Festival – 12 – 14 June
A festival marked as a celebration of the Sindhu River. The river is considered as the symbol of the oneness of the various strands that make the country. Sindhu Darshan festival has been a yearly event since 1997.
Visitors immerse water from rivers near their homes into the Sindhu in a collaborative group of religious organizations organized. Later, monks pray on the banks, and there is a bonfire at night.
Amarnath Yatra – Starts on 28 June
One of the holiest places for Hindus is the Amarnath cave. Located about 140 km from the capital of Srinagar, the cave houses a stalagmite formation that is believed to be a representation of Shiva. The Yatra begins with a 43 km trek from Nunwan to Chandanwari villages in the Pahalgam region of Anantnag.
Ladakh Festival – 22 – 25 September
It is a unique convergence of culture and enthusiasm. The festival witnesses several colorful cultural troupes from the various parts of Ladakh. Archery and polo competitions are also held during this festival. The roll dances are lovely treats for spectators.
Matho Nagrang – 8 – 9 March
Matho Nagrang, a monastic festival, is celebrated at the Matho Monastery near the city of Leh. It is marked by traditional dances performed by the monks of the Matho in decorated silver robes and fabulously decorated masks meant to represent various gods.
The festival’s main highlight is the two oracles that manifest before the people at the convention after two months of shutting themselves from the world in secluded meditation.
Dosmoche – 21 – 23 February
Dosmoche is considered to be one of the famous festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakhis throng the stretch between Moti Market to Leh Bazaar to have fun and witness the traditional dances performed by the monks in the Leh, Likir, and Diskit monasteries.
Dosmoche is known for its music, the beat of the drums, and the prayers. This festival is the perfect getaway for women.
You must explore Jammu and Kashmir at its best through these festivals and celebrations. It gives you a glimpse into the culture and rich heritage of the region. You can plan an all-female trip to Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh or go solo. Top 10 Tips For Solo Female Travelers | Donna Wanderer