Kashmir is said to be the heaven on earth, and it indeed is a paradise with its vibrant streets, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. The culture is quite different from the rest of India and is evident in the clothing style, food, and Kashmiri festivals. The culture is so fascinating that it will compel you to book your Kashmir Package today.
You can explore the top valleys of Kashmir, including Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, which are some of the most beautiful sites that you may never forget.
Some of the famous Kashmiri Festivals include:
- Tulip Festival- When Tulips Are Celebrated
- Shikara Festival- The Heart And Soul Of Srinagar
- Gurez Festival- A Glimpse Into The Kashmiri Culture
- Eid-ul-Fitr- Marking The End Of Month Long fasting
1.Tulip Festival- When Tulips Are Celebrated
We all know the popularity of the Tulip Garden of Kashmir, and the Tulips bloom during the spring season, attracting more and more tourists to Kashmir.
Kashmir boasts of having the largest Tulip Garden in Asia. It has recently set the record in the London Book of World Records for displaying 1.68 million tulips of 68 different varieties.
The year has witnessed 3.75 lacs visitors so far, proving that the Tulip Garden is a major draw among tourists.
The Tulip Festival is one of the popular Kashmiri Festivals, and the breathtaking sights of the garden covered in different shades of tulips are mesmerising.
The Festival takes place in the Indra Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, showcasing local handicrafts, drool-worthy food, and cultural programs.
Dates: April-May
2.Shikara Festival- The Heart And Soul Of Srinagar
Shikaras are the most popular attractions in Srinagar and all of Kashmir. It is nothing like a boat ride; it is an experience in itself.
As you embark on the Shikara, the calm waters of Dal Lake soothe your soul and give you the sense of peace you have been looking for.
Since Shikaras are the heart and Soul of Srinagar, they are celebrated yearly when they are all dressed up and painted beautifully.
Shikaras participate in the Shikara Race and the Dragon Boat Race, and you can also witness the Canoe Polo Match.
Besides the boat race, other cultural programs are also organised to glimpse Kashmir’s culture.
The festival was started by the government in 2016 and has been a popular one ever since its inception, with hundreds of people gathering here to celebrate the 2-day festival.
Dates: July-August
3.Gurez Festival- A Glimpse Into Kashmiri Culture
Gurez Valley is located 125 km from Kashmir and is popular for its breathtaking scenic views. The valley is 8,000 feet above sea level and lies on the popular ancient Silk Route, where silk was traded back in ancient times.
The Neelam River flows through the Gurez Valley, and people enjoy river rafting here, for it is the perfect spot for this activity.
The locals of the Gurez Valley host an annual festival called the Gurez Festival to showcase their talents and sell their stuff, including handicrafts. At the Gurez Festival, you can enjoy the cultural programs and try out the local cuisines to savour your taste buds with some lip-smacking food.
The festival brings everyone together as people assemble and enjoy the various activities held during the time. Some of the most popular activities that take place during the Gurez Festival include cycling, trekking, zorbing, and river rafting.
The valley witnesses massive participation in painting competitions. Celebrated in July and August, the festival also witnesses several musical programs, so you can be a part of the festivity and enjoy the Kashmiri culture.
Dates: July- August
4.Eid-ul-Fitr- Marking The End Of Month Long Fasting
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most popular Kashmiri festivals because it is celebrated in a Muslim-dominated society and with lots of joy and merriment.
Eid-ul-Fitr, all over the world, is celebrated with great enthusiasm as it marks the end of the month-long fasting of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims worldwide that requires them to fast the entire month from dusk till dawn and then break the fast with dates and water. After 30 days, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated, and people can be seen exchanging sweets with their loved ones and wishing them with the phrase ‘Eid Mubarak’.
Muslims offer mandatory prayers 5 times a day, but on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, one more prayer adds up on the special occasion. Men offer their prayers in the mosque, return home, and greet everyone with their wishes.
The most popular sweet during Eid is Sewai, which is a mouth-watering dessert, and you cannot have enough of it. Eidi, which is some amount of money, is given by the elders to the kids and is a part of the celebration.
Dates: It depends on the sighting of the moon.
