Festivals of Kashmir: Where tradition meets celebration

Shikaras are wooden boats often seen on the Dal Lake of Srinagar, Kashmir. They are a cultural symbol of Kashmir and are used for fishing, harvesting, and transportation. The Shikara boat ride is a popular activity for tourists. During the Shikara Festival, the Dal Lake comes alive with colorful Shikaras spread across the usually calm waters of the lake. The festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm with beautifully adorned boats racing against each other to win the title. The festival consists of Shikara boat racing and dragon boat racing. Apart from boat racing, there’s also a canoe polo match that takes place, adding more fun and uniqueness to the Shikara Festival. 

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a major tourist attraction in Kashmir. Located in the Srinagar district, it is the largest tulip garden in Asia. The garden attracts lakhs of visitors from all over the world with its vibrant beauty. Apart from the gorgeous tulip flowers, the garden also has other varieties of flowers such as daffodils and hyacinths. The Tulip Festival is an annual spring celebration that showcases the breathtaking floral beauty of the garden. The rows of colorful tulips in full bloom with the majestic mountains as their backdrop is truly a sight to behold. The festival usually takes place in March and we would highly recommend you take part in Kashmir’s celebration of the blossoms. 

Baisakhi is a popular Sikh festival, celebrated extensively in the northern parts of India. However, the celebration in Kashmir is a little different from the northern plains. Baisakhi is celebrated in Kashmir to mark the foundation of Khalsa. Devotees offer their prayers by singing bhajans and kirtans in all the Gurdwaras of Kashmir. But the main celebration however takes place in the Chatti Padshahi Gurdwara. Similar to a lot of festival celebrations across India, people wear new clothes and prepare special dishes as part of the Baisakhi celebration. They also visit the beautiful gardens and bustling markets, adding a touch of uniqueness when compared to the celebrations in other parts of India. 

Eid is an important festival in Kashmir, with the majority of the population being Muslims. The day begins by offering special prayers known as Eid Nimaz or Salah, which is an integral part of the celebration. The prayers are followed by a hearty breakfast which is a beautiful sight for the eyes and a treat for the stomach. The breakfast is enjoyed with Kashmir’s special saffron tea or Kahwa. After breakfast, gifts or Eidi are exchanged among friends and family. The atmosphere during Eid is happy, wholesome, and heartwarming with shared stories and laughter. It is a celebration of culture, tradition, and human connection. 

The Gurez Festival is celebrated in the picturesque Himalayan Valley of Gurez. The residents of Gurez host this annual celebration for two days and it usually takes place in July or August. The festival is a display of Kashmir’s beautiful culture in the form of handicrafts, food, and even sports. It is a wonderful opportunity for local artisans to showcase their talent and honor the culture and traditions of the region. Apart from the cultural activities, sporting events such as river rafting, zorbing, and cycling are conducted as a part of the festival, making it a whole lot of fun. You too can take part in this lively celebration, even if you are not a local. Indulge in some lip-smacking food, participate in the fun activities, or show some for the intricate hand-crafted gems. But whatever you choose, it is bound to leave a smile on your face. 

The Kheer Bhawani Mela is an annual celebration that takes place at the Kheer Bhawani temple in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Kheer Bhawani and is usually celebrated in the month of August. Hindus from all across Kashmir gather at the temple to take part in the festivities. Cultural performances and folk dances are a part of the celebration. The main event, however, is the procession of the goddess which is led by devotees along with dancers and musicians. This vibrant celebration of culture and tradition is a sheer joy to witness for both locals and tourists alike. 

A new addition to the list of unique celebrations in Kashmir, the Saffron Festival, or Jash-e-Zaffran is an initiative by Kashmir’s Tourism Department. Celebrated in the town of Pompore, this three-day event was created to promote saffron tourism in Kashmir. The aim of the festival is to shed light on the cultivation of saffron, as Kashmir is the producer of the finest quality saffron in India, thereby rightfully earning the title of the ‘saffron capital of India’. During the festival, one can learn about the harvesting process of saffron as well as its numerous therapeutic properties. And the best part, you can purchase authentic saffron directly from the manufacturers. The Saffron Festival is an autumn celebration held in late October or early November. So if you wish to take part in this vibrant experience, make sure to plan your trip accordingly. 

The festivals of Kashmir celebrate the rich cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions most vibrantly. These festivals not only bring joy and unity among the people but also provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions, flavors, and breathtaking beauty of Kashmir. If you also wish to experience this amazing cultural experience first-hand, let us help you with it. Book your trip with Backpackers United today to enjoy Kashmir like never before. We look forward to hearing from you, fellow traveler. Bon Voyage!