Kashmiri Culture in Winter: Attending Festivals and Events

Colour yourself with the culture of Kashmir.


Blog Home | Haveed Hilal | 13-01-2024


Festivals and Events in Kashmir

Kashmir, well recognized for its natural beauty, valleys, mountains, breathtaking scenery, and thriving cultural history stands among the best vacation resorts. Kashmir’s cultural events and festivals portray the locals’ practices, beliefs, and traditions.

Local celebrations are a significant part of a society’s culture and traditions. They provide people with a chance to socialize and celebrate their cultural history through an insight into the cultures and traditions of the area.

A cityscape of Srinagar
A cityscape of Srinagar, showing the white look after a fresh snowfall. Source: The New Indian Express

About The Blog

This blog is a creation of Kashmir Online, a reliable travel services partner. As winter is approaching, in this blog, we will explore the charming Kashmiri winter festivals, cultural events and winter traditions in Kashmir with related details.

Lohri

Celebrate the leaving of winter in Jammu.
Local girls go around the bonfire to celebrate the leaving of winter in Jammu. Source: The Tarzan Way

Lohri, a well-known winter event happens to rejoice in the harvest season on January 13th. To mark the end of the winter season, people gather around bonfires singing and dancing to traditional melodies. This festival is celebrated by the Punjabi population in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most joyful events among Kashmiri winter festivals.

Christmas

Christmas festival.
A church at Srinagar, decorated for the Christmas festival. Source: Kashmir Patriot

Christmas, a Christian festival celebrated among Christians in Kashmir, is a joyful one. Houses and churches are decorated, carols are sung, and gifts are exchanged as part of the celebration. Jingle bells and sparkling spaces of lighting are seen everywhere. It is one of the best cultural events in Kashmir.

Shivratri

Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is celebrated by pouring milk on the stone lingam. Source: Kashmir Excelsior

Celebrated in Kashmir with pomp and a show. It is a Hindu festival organized to pay homage to the Hindu God Shiva and celebrate Shiva and Parvati’s wedding. The festival signifies overcoming darkness in life. People keep fast and meditate to get the blessings of Shiva. In Kashmiri, also known as Har-ratri. It is one of the largest Kashmiri winter festivals among the Kashmiri Pandits.

Jhiri Mela

Jhiri Mela
Jhiri Mela is all set up with swings, rides and games. Source: Daily Excelsior

Jhiri Mela, an annual festival hosted in Jammu in honour of a renowned saint, Baba Jitto in which sacred scriptures play an important role. Dance and music are a part of this celebration. It is a favourite festival of the kids who have the most amount of fun in the mela. It is one of the most joy-filled cultural events of Jammu and Kashmir.

Winter carnivals

Gulmarg Winter Festival.
Prizes given after a competition at the Gulmarg Winter Festival. Source: NotInTown

After the snowfall in Kashmir, gates of adventure activities and winter sports open at various locations of Kashmir. These locations are thronged by locals and travellers alike. The most important place for winter carnivals and snow festivals in Kashmir is Gulmarg. Other places also witness the hosting of winter festivals. You can take part in these to become a part of the culture and traditions of the Kashmir Valley. These carnivals are among the most amazing cultural events in Jammu and Kashmir.

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FAQs

Can travellers participate in any of the Kashmiri winter festivals?

Yes, local people welcome the tourists to share their happiness with. Tourists feel overwhelmed with joy by taking part in these festivals.

What are some places to witness Christmas at its best in Kashmir?

The Catholic churches in Lal Chowk and Gulmarg are the best locations to have a great time for a Christmas celebration.

Which activities to partake in cultural events like snow carnivals?

There are a plethora of events that happen such as skiing competitions, hot air ballooning, cultural performances, singing and dancing competitions, and snow sculpturing tournaments in the presence of Kashmiri cuisine stalls.

Author Profile

Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.