culture & language

Kashmiri is the official language of Jammu and Kashmir, and is spoken widely across the territory. Apart from Kashmiri, people in Jammu & Kashmir speak Dogri (a regional language), Hindi, English and Urdu too.

Jammu and Kashmir’s population consists of a large percentage of Muslims, followed by Hindus. So, many Muslim and Hindu festivals are celebrated here, along with some regional festivals and rituals that are local to this place.

Some of the regularly celebrated festivals here include:

• Baisakhi – A harvest festival in north India.
• Lohri – A festival celebrated after the winter solstice, to welcome the longer summer days as the sun proceeds northward. (J&K being a cold place, people here always await the sunnier days for some respite form the biting cold of winter).
• Eid Ul Fitr, Eid Al Adha – Although these 2 festivals are celebrated by Muslims across India, the Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir celebrate these in a more zealous and unique way, which adds a distinct festive charm to this place during these times.
• Tulip festival – Kashmir’s Tulip gardens are famous and this festival celebrates the best blooming months of these).
• Shikara Festival – During this festival the shikaras (boats) in Kashmir are decorated beautifully with flowers and other beautiful elements, and races and other events are conducted to exhibit these. This festival is celebrated between July and August every year, with the main aim of promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism.