festivals

Most traditional Indian festivals, especially Muslim festivals are celebrated in Srinagar (as the city has a large number of Muslims followed by Hindus and Christians) including:

• Ramzan – A month-long festival where Muslims follow intermittent fasting and regular prayers
• Christmas
• Holi – The festival of colors
• Lohri – A folk festival celebrated in winter
• Baisakhi – Celebrated in April; it marks the first day of the month of Vaisakha calendar followed in some parts of North India
• Basant Panchami – A festival marking the beginning of Spring season
• Diwali – The festival of lights

Apart from these, some principal festivals that are celebrated (exclusively) in Srinagar include:

• Urs Festival – celebrated in Kashmir throughout the year; it is held at the tombs of various saints; and people avoid eating meat during this time.
• Navroz Festival – A 9-day festival celebrated by the Shia Muslim communities in the months of March or April.
• Amarnathji Yatra – A Hindu festival held between mid-June and mid-August in Srinagar and attended by devotees from various corners of the country.
• Naureh Mavas – An annual fair at a suburb called Vichar Nag in Srinagar.
• Gurez Festival – A festival celebrated in the month of July every year by a group of people living in the Gurez Valley here, with many traditional folk songs and dances.