Jammu and Kashmir also has some amazing festivals that people here love to celebrate. You'll find people out dancing in the spring with Baisakhi, while Lohri lifts the mood during the cold winter months.
Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir are something else. Take a stroll through any neighbourhood on Shivratr, and temple bells ring from every corner. Eid is about wonderful food and families coming in from far-off places. When Diwali comes, every house in this land is aglow with stunning lights.
Here's the thing that gets us - people don't simply let you observe their festivals, they draw you in. Before you know it, you're sharing a meal, picking up dance steps, and laughing with strangers who are treating you like close friends.
Want to know the best things to do in Kashmir? Time your trip with these festivals. You'll get way more than pretty mountain views - you'll understand what makes this place tick.
Travellers often go with our Kashmir Tour Packages that include festival experiences, because honestly, missing out on these celebrations means missing the heart of what Kashmir is really about.
Top 12 Festivals Of Jammu And Kashmir You Must Experience
1. Amarnath Yatra - More Than Just a Pilgrimage
Every year, thousands of pilgrims make the trek to the holy Amarnath cave in South Kashmir. It’s not just a journey; it’s a deep spiritual experience. People from all walks of life gather to see the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva. They walk through difficult mountain paths, face unpredictable weather, but still carry smiles and chants of “Har Har Mahadev” in their hearts.
Even if you’re not deeply religious, just being there and seeing the devotion around you gives you goosebumps. That’s why many people say that this is the main festival of Jammu and Kashmir-it brings people together like nothing else. The spiritual energy and the unity among people make it one of the most significant festivals of Jammu and Kashmir.
When: July to August
Also Checkout: 6 Days Tour to the Jewels of Kashmir
2. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha - Togetherness and Gratitude
In the Kashmir Valley, the sight of people dressed in their best clothes, greeting each other with hugs after the morning Eid prayers, is heartwarming. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and families prepare special dishes like seviyan, kebabs, and pulao. Kids get Eidi (money or gifts), and homes are filled with joy.
Eid-ul-Adha, or Bakr-Eid, is just as important. People remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim and share meat with those in need. These Kashmiri festivals are all about compassion, sharing, and being thankful-values that we all could use more of. These two celebrations are among the most meaningful festivals of Jammu and Kashmir.
When: Eid-ul-Fitr - April/May; Eid-ul-Adha - June/July
3. Hemis Festival - A Burst of Colour in the Mountains
Head over to Ladakh in June or July, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a celebration like no other. The Hemis Monastery becomes a stage for monks in vibrant costumes and masks, dancing to the beats of traditional drums and horns. It’s not just entertainment; every move in the Cham dance has meaning, often showing the fight between good and evil.
If you ever wanted to feel what it’s like to be part of something ancient and meaningful, this is the place to be. This isn’t just a famous festival of Jammu and Kashmir-it’s a glimpse into Ladakh’s heart and soul. Among all the traditional festivals of Jammu and Kashmir, this one stands out with its unique charm.
When: June or July
4. Tulip Festival - When Srinagar Turns into a Rainbow
Imagine walking through rows and rows of tulips, with the Zabarwan Hills in the background and Dal Lake nearby. That’s what the Tulip Festival feels like. Held in April, it marks the arrival of spring, and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar becomes one of the most photographed places in the country, making it one of the most famous festival of Jammu and Kashmir.
Locals sell crafts, perform folk dances, and welcome tourists like old friends. It’s a celebration of beauty, culture, and the fact that after every winter, spring always comes. Among the Jammu Kashmir festivals, this one shows nature at its best.
When: Early April
5. Baisakhi - Dancing, Singing, and Thanking the Gods
Come April, the Jammu region puts on a show for Baisakhi. It’s a harvest festival, but also a deeply spiritual one. People take holy dips, visit temples and gurdwaras, and then the real fun begins-fairs, folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, and food stalls selling chhole bhature, jalebis, and more.
There’s something heartening about watching a whole village or town dance together. It’s one of those traditional festivals of Jammu and Kashmir that reminds you how beautiful simplicity can be.
When: April 13 or 14
6. Lohri and Makar Sankranti - Fire, Food, and Family
In January, as the winter chill holds tight, people in Jammu gather around bonfires to celebrate Lohri. They throw puffed rice, peanuts, and popcorn into the flames, sing old songs, and share rewri and gajak. It’s especially joyful for families with newborns or newlyweds.
The next day, Makar Sankranti takes over. People fly kites, cook khichdi, and take dips in rivers. These back-to-back events are a part of the festivals of Jammu and Kashmir that make the cold season warm and festive.
When: Lohri - January 13; Makar Sankranti - January 14
7. Navroz - Welcoming a New Beginning
Navroz, or the Persian New Year, is celebrated in March, mostly by the Shia Muslim community. People clean their homes, dress in fresh clothes, and prepare traditional dishes. There’s a peaceful charm to this day-it’s about starting fresh, showing gratitude, and spending time with loved ones.
Even if you’re an outsider, the sense of calm and joy on Navroz pulls you in. It’s a lesser-known gem among the Kashmiri festivals. These festivals are the best way to experience the true culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
When: March 21
8. Diwali - Lights in the Hills
While more popular in Jammu than the Kashmir Valley, Diwali still lights up many homes with diyas, candles, and laughter. Markets are busy with people buying sweets and gifts. Children run around with sparklers, and the night sky comes alive with fireworks.
It’s a moment when homes, hearts, and even the quietest corners of a village shine a little brighter. Though it’s celebrated across India, Diwali in Jammu has its old-world charm. It’s another wonderful festival celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir.
When: October or November (date varies)
9. Urs - Remembering Saints with Songs and Prayers
If you ever get the chance to attend an Urs festival at one of Kashmir’s Sufi shrines, don’t miss it. These festivals honour saints like Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani and are filled with soul-touching music, poetry, and prayers.
The best part? Everyone is welcome. People of all religions sit together, eat together, and celebrate together. It’s one of those unique fairs and festivals in Jammu and Kashmir that bring people closer.
When: Dates vary by saint; usually spring or summer
10. Vaishno Devi Yatra - Devotion on Every Step
You don’t have to be religious to feel the energy on the path to Vaishno Devi. Set in the Trikuta Hills near Katra, this pilgrimage is a mix of devotion, adventure, and personal discovery. Devotees chant, walk, and sing as they make their way to the cave shrine.
Though not a festival in the usual sense, the entire journey feels like one. Among all Jammu Kashmir festivals, this one runs year-round and still feels festive.
When: Year-round (peak during Navratri)
Do check out: Mesmerising Kashmir Expedition For 4N/5D.
11. Purmandal Mela and Shivratri - Rituals and Riverbanks
Purmandal Mela is one of those hidden gems. Held near the Devika River during Shivratri, this festival draws crowds to ancient temples. The riverbanks fill with devotees, local stalls, and colourful decorations.
At the same time, in Kashmir, Shivratri or Herath is celebrated by the Pandit community with deep faith. Families perform rituals at home, offer walnuts as symbols, and prepare special dishes.
These two events are important Kashmiri festivals, celebrated in different ways but with the same spirit. It’s one of those unique fairs and festivals in Jammu and Kashmir that bring people closer.
When: February or March (Shivratri)
12. Shikara and Saffron Festivals - A Celebration of Local Life
The Shikara Festival on Dal Lake is pure magic. Decorated boats, races, folk music, and tourists smiling as they soak it all in-it’s a beautiful way to showcase local culture and hospitality.
Then comes the Saffron Festival in Pampore during the saffron harvest season. The purple fields are a sight to behold, and the air smells of fresh saffron. Farmers, dancers, chefs, and visitors all join in the celebrations.
These may not be ancient, but they are slowly becoming popular festivals of Jammu and Kashmir.
When: Shikara - July/August; Saffron - October
Whether you’re planning to visit during spring to catch the Tulip Festival, or in winter for Lohri and Herath, or wish to witness Eid in the Valley-there’s always something happening. These festivals are the best way to experience the true culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
They’re not just part of a tourist itinerary; they’re invitations to be part of a family, a tradition, a celebration of life. If you’re wondering what is the main festival of Jammu and Kashmir, know that it’s not just one-it’s all of them. Each festival brings its flavour to the land.
So, next time you’re asked about the festivals of Jammu and Kashmir, don’t just name a few. Tell them the stories. Because in this land of mountains and memories, every festival is a reason to smile, to gather, and to celebrate being alive.
