Kashmir has often been deemed as heaven on Earth and we couldn’t agree more. The charm of this Himalayan region lies in the enchanting valley views and green landscapes, but the vibrant festivals of Kashmir celebrated by the local folks amplify that charm of Kashmir. The people let bygones be bygones and indulge in festivities in absolute communal harmony. This stands as an example of the beauty of Kashmir.
Known for its colorful festival all around the world, India celebrates its festivals with passion & fervor, grand feasting, and unbelievable merry-making. India is home to many religions and states that have their own hundreds of festivals, respectively. That’s why it is Incredible India!
# Hemis Festival The Hemis Festival venerates the Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) by a dance performance at Hemis Gompa of Leh which is the largest and richest monastery in Kashmir. Guru Rinpoche is known to be the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed that his life’s mission is, was, and remains to improve the spiritual condition of all living beings. The most esoteric of festivities are the mystic mask dances making it one of the most vibrant festivals of Kashmir. The Mask Dances of Ladakh are referred to as chams performance. Chams performance is an essential part of Tantric tradition, performed only in those gompas which follow the Tantric Vajrayana teachings and the monks perform tantric worship.
# BaisakhiBaisakhi is a festival that is celebrated throughout the country on April 13th and is a famous festival of the Sikh community. Baisakhi marks the new year for the Sikhs and the day embarks the harvesting season in India. Because of the Sikh population living in the state, Baisakhi is celebrated as the harvest festival of Jammu and Kashmir. Baisakhi is among the most popular festivals of Kashmir as it witnesses humongous celebrations in the state.
# Tulip FestivalDuring the spring season, Kashmir becomes a canvas to be painted with bright colored tulips by nature. There are hundreds of Tulip gardens in Kashmir that are adorned with rows of Tulips. The largest tulip garden, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, lies in the bounty of Srinagar which hosts one of the most famous festivals of Kashmir, the Tulip Festival. The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden boasts of a variety of Tulip's gardened here. A sight of parallel rows of tulips is a mesmerizing and breathtaking experience, especially for the non-Kashmiris. The festival showcases luscious cuisine, local handicrafts, cultural programs, and of course, Tulips!
# Shikara FestivalShikara is the lifeline and the identity of Kashmir, without any doubt, which needs to be celebrated every year. To attract travelers and promote tourism, the government of Kashmir started the Shikara festival in 2016. During this festival, the owners paint and dress the boats beautifully. Major highlights of this festival are the Shikara Race, Dragon Boat Race, Canoe Polo Match, and other cultural programs that give a peek inside Kashmiri culture. This unique and one of the most offbeat festivals of Kashmir takes place in the months of July or August.
# Gurez FestivalSituated 123 kilometers away from Srinagar, Gurez is a tranquil valley at the height of 8,000 feet above sea level. The Neelum River flows through the Gurez Valley making it a prominent place to try your luck at water rafting. The panoramic valley boasts scenic views as it used to lie on the ancient Silk Route. Other than natural wonders, Gurez Valley hosts an annual festival in which the people of Gurez showcase their handicrafts, delectable cuisines, and vibrant culture, making it one of the most vibrant festivals of Kashmir.