Jammu and Kashmir are more than just high-rising mountains and sparkling lakes. This Union territory has a history of intermixing cultures and rich storytelling. And there is no better way to experience this as a tourist than by associating with local people and beliefs through the famous festivals and fairs in Jammu and Kashmir which take place each year. Some of these are a unique twist to nationally celebrated religious holidays. While others are specific to one Valley, monastery, or tribe. Some tourists believe that too much intervention in these traditional cultures is making them lose their original beauty. It is essential, therefore, to take part in these festivals while understanding their background and respecting cultural boundaries.
Famous Fairs in Jammu and Kashmir That Leak A Glimpse of Their Unique Culture and Traditions
1. Jhiri Mela
There are many tiny villages and towns in India which have written their medieval charms but have grown popular for their unique cultures and festivals. One such little village is Jhiri, which is mostly known for the historical Jhiri Mela which takes place here on Kartik Purnima every year. This means if you visit Jammu and Kashmir in late October or early November, you will be able to attend this simple but heart-touching celebration! Villages organize an afternoon meal for locals as well as tourists as a part of this celebration. If you ask someone from Jhiri what is the story behind this surprising village fair in Jammu and Kashmir, they will tell you that this day belongs to the farmer martyr Baba Jitto who lost his life more than 500 years ago trying to fight the unacceptable laws laid down by Kashmiri land owners.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Time taken to visit: one day
2. Purmandal Mela
No one can deny that Kashmir is a land that belongs to the immortal tales of Lord Shiva. Most of the stories about the ancient life of Shiva and Parvati have originated in present-day Jammu and Kashmir – it is natural to expect that Mahashivratri will be the inspiration behind some of the most famous festivals and fairs in Jammu and Kashmir. Mahashivratri is known as Purmandal Mela in Kashmir and it is celebrated in Purmandal town. Some of the most auspicious temples such as the Peer Kho Shrine, Ranbireshwar Temple and Panjbakhtar Mandir are located quite close to Purmandal and also celebrate Mahashivratri in a similar manner.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: one day
3. Bahu Mela
Did you know that the mighty Bahu Fort has an ancient goddess Kali temple hidden in the premises? It is believed that this temple was built during the Late Golden Period of India and centuries later, the Bahu Fort was built around it. One of the most famous fairs in Jammu and Kashmir is the Bahu Mela – it is organized every year during the Navratri through Ram Navami and includes merchants and craftsmen from all over Jammu and Kashmir. A crowd gathers for the Navratri Kaali Puja Prasad. Bhog is provided to devotees.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time of Celebration: 10 days of Navratri
4. Baishakh Mela
Spring is a time of harvest, especially in the lower regions of Kashmir like Jammu and Pulwama. Baisakhi is a well-known national festival, and multiple regions celebrate the Baisakhi fair in Jammu and Kashmir too. Of course, there is a beautiful twist to the Baisakhi celebration. Shikaras are decorated and herds are made to wear colourful jewellery. There are big swings and rides set up for children and adults. Dhouns are sung near Bhaderwah to celebrate the advent of summer. This is the time when many exciting nomad tribes get ready to journey upwards to the alpine meadows of Pahalgam and Sonmarg. If you are visiting in this session, you might expect to see the whole of Kashmir celebrating for days.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timing: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 3 days, usually starting from the 13th of April
5. Amarnath Mela
Every year before the snow melts completely pilgrims throng to Amarnath to see the natural, Shivalingam in ice formation that stands several feet tall in the Amarnath cave. Tourists usually have to complete the journey on foot, starting from the Pahalgam Base Camp. Shops and fairs line the roads from Pahalgam to Chandanwari from where you can buy small idols, Shivalingam lockets, keychains, flowers, Puja Samagri, etc. Amarnath Yatra is a journey that is full of devotional music, pilgrim dances, loud slogans, and an all-over festive mood. Amarnath Yatra Fair is one of the most famous fairs in Jammu and Kashmir for Hindu devotees and pilgrims.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timing: open 24 hours
Time is taken to visit: 2 to 3 days round trip; the Yatra opens during June and remains open till the middle of August. Actual dates vary every year.
6. Ladakh Festival Fair
This festival is undoubtedly the most important among all fairs in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Ladakh region. Instead of being a religious festival pertaining to Hindu or Buddhist cultures, the Ladakh festival fair is a harvest fair that welcomes one and all to take part in the happiness and enthusiasm of the new year. Various groups perform dances, masked plays, archery and polo on the streets of Ladakh. Fresh handicrafts, dry fruits, pickles and local harvest productions are sold for the first time in the latter days of the festival.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Opening and closing timings: no official opening or closing timings
Time taken to visit: the festival is held for 15 days in the month of September.
7. Tulip Festival Floral Fair
Tulips are a big part of the Heritage of Srinagar. In fact, Srinagar has the largest tulip garden in all of Asia and it is said that the quality of these tulips is one of the finest in the world. The tulips of Srinagar come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are mostly sold as luxury flowers to brands and labels around the world. In the month of March to May, tourists and experts come to Srinagar from all over the world to take part in one of the biggest flower fairs in Jammu and Kashmir, if not all of India. Tulip exhibitions and stalls are set up for everyday tourists as well so that all flower lovers can bring something back from this glorious event.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time is taken to visit: the festival is held for 15 days in April
8. Hemis Festival Fair
Ladakh is dotted with legendary monasteries, many of which were built in the 1st to 10th century AD. Hemis Monastery is an important monastery that still follows all the minute rituals of ancient Tibetan Buddhism and houses some of the most important scriptures. The Hemis Festival celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava with great pomp and show, and the event includes holy chanting, an unfolding of Thangkas, decorating the monastery and the surrounding town with new flags – and most importantly, the mythical masked dance ritual which people from all over the world come to experience.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time is taken to visit: 2 days, usually in the first or second week of July.
9. Navratri Mela
Another National Festival celebrated with a Kashmiri twist – this is a charming addition to fairs in Jammu and Kashmir and occurs in the holy month of October. Special crowds gather in temple fairs near the nine forms of Goddess Parvati and their temples – Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir, Gauri Mandir, and Chandi Mata Mandir being the focal points of the Navratri celebration. These fairs are also super popular among Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. In fact, people of all religions come together to appreciate the local artisans and craftsmen during the holy period of Navratri. Navratri fair is a great time to obtain the blessings of Goddess Parvati and take part in all the celebrations!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time is taken to visit: 10 days of Navratri.
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The Ladakh Festival is usually celebrated in the month of September, usually from the 1st to the 15th of the month. The festival is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh, a region in the northernmost part of India.
A. The largest Asian tulip festival is the Tulip Festival of Jammu and Kashmir which is held in Srinagar every year.
A. As tourists, we all look forward to purchasing some unique and authentic goods at popular local fairs and festivals. Interesting purchases in Jammu and Kashmir are shawls, head caps, dry fruits, delicious roadside cuisines, silver jewellery, etc.
Conclusion
You can easily customize your chosen Kashmir travel packages for family and Group in such a way that you get to experience these famous fairs in Jammu and Kashmir which mostly only happen once a year. You can do this by contacting our travel agent and explaining your requirements through a dedicated consultancy. We are always here for your next big experience!
