he land of snow clad mountains that shares a common boundary with Afghanistan, China and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of the Indian Union. Known for its extravagant natural beauty this land formed a major caravan route in the ancient times. Trade relations through these routes between China and Central Asia made it a land in-habited by various religious and cultural groups. Kashyapa is said to have laid the foundation of Kashmir, which was referred to as 'Kashyapamar'. Owing to the several climatic conditions during winter people here lead a nomadic life with their cattles. The slopes were inhabitable during the summer and the areas  formed the areas of permanent settlements. It was also during the reign of Kashyapa that the various wandering groups led a settled life Buddhism influenced Kashmir during the rule of Ashoka and the present town of Srinagar was founded by him. This place was earlier called 'Srinagari' or Purandhisthan. The Brahmins who inhabited these areas admired and adorned Buddhism too. From the regions of Kashmir Buddhism spread of Ladakh, Tiber, Central Asia and China.

Various traditions co-existed till the advent of the Muslims. The Mughal had a deep influence on this land and introduced various reforms in the revenue industry and other areas that added to the progress of Kashmir. In 1820 Maharaj Gulab Singh got the Jagir of Jammu from Maharaj Ranjit Sigh. He is said to have laid the foundation of the Dogra dynasty. In 1846 Kashmir was sold to Maharaj Gulab Singh. Thus the two areas of Kashmir and Jammu were integrated into a single political unit. A few chieftains who formed part of the administration were of the Hunza, Kishtwar, Gilgit Ladakh. During the Dogra dynasty trade improved, along with the preservation and promotion of forestry. Art and crafts also developed through encouragement. After, independence of India in 1947 this region formed a part of the Indian territory and is an integral region that contributed its part to preserve the unity and integrity of India.

In the 8th century, Kashmir rose to become the centre of a great kingdom , spanning much of North India and parts of Central Asia under Lalitaditya Muktapida, who was builder of the Martand (sun) Temple, and founder of the Valley’s irrigation canal irrigation system which has survived for centuries, helping water rich harvests of the finest rice, a variety of temperate fruit and exotic crops such as saffron.

Islam came to India through traders, warriors and missionaries from the eighth to the twelfth centuries. The faith came to Kashmir through the Sufi saint Bulbul Shah in the early fourteenth century, finding wide acceptance. The ruling monarch Rinchen Shah converted to Islam and assumed the name of Sadruddin in 1327 AD. Thereafter, beginning with his former general Shahmir, a series of Muslim dynasties ruled the State with brief interludes of annexation into neighbouring States, to become a part of the Mughal Empire in the late 16th century, under its greatest ruler Akbar. The State was fully incorporated into the systems of administration and land settlement which long remained a legacy of that Empire in India, well after its own disintegration.

Fairs & Festivals in Jammu Kashmir

Lohri
Lohri Festival, Jammu & Kashmir Travel PackagesThis festival is also known as Makar Sankranti. It heralds the onset of spring. The whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Thousands take a dip in the holy rivers. 'Havan Yagnas' light up nearly every house and temple in Jammu. In the rural areas, custom requires boys to go around asking for gifts from newly-weds and new parents. A special dance called the 'Chajja' dance is held on the occasion of Lohri. It makes a striking picture to see boys along with their 'Chajjas' elaborately decorated with coloured paper and flowers move on the street in a dancing procession. The whole atmosphere comes alive with the pulsating drum beats.

Baisakhi
The name Baisakhi is taken from the first month of the Vikram calendar. Every year, on the first day of Vaishakh, the people of Jammu - like the rest of northern India - celebrate Baisakhi. Baisakhi is also known as the harvest festival and is considered auspicious especially for marriages. Rivers, canals and ponds are thronged by devotees who unfailingly take a ritual dip every year. Many people go to the Nagbani Temple to witness a grand new year celebration. Numerous fairs are organized and people come in thousands to celebrate the beginning of the new year and watch the famous Bhangra dance of Punjab. For the Sikhs of Jammu, Baisakhi is the day their tenth Guru Gobind Singhji formed the Khalsa sect in 1699. The Gurudwaras are full of people who come to listen to Kirtans, offer prayers and feast on the prasad from the
common kitchen (Langar).

Bahu Mela
A major festival is held at the Kali Temple in Bahu Fort (Jammu), twice a year.

Chaitre Chaudash
Chaitre chaudash is celebrated at Uttar Behni about 25 kms. from Jammu. Uttar Behni gets its name from the fact that the Devak river (also known as Gupta Ganga locally) flows here in the northerly direction.

Purmandal Mela
Purmandal is 39 kms. from Jammu city. On Shivratri, the town is trans- formed for three days as people celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati here. The people of Jammu also come out in their Jhiri Mela, Jammu & Kashmir Vacation Packagecolourful best to celebrate Shivratri at Peer Khoh, the Ranbireshwar. Temple and the Panjbhaktar Temple. In fact, if you visit the Jarnmu region during Shivratri, you'll find a celebration on almost everywhere.

Jhiri Mela
Baba Jitu was a simple, God loving and honest farmer who preferred to kill himself rather than submit to the unjust demands of the local landlord to part with his crop. He killed himself in the village of Jhiri, 14 kms. From Jammu. A legend has grown around the Baba and his followers congregate at Jhiri on the appointed day from every corner of North India; they revere him for his compassion, courage and honesty and hold an annual fair in his name. Mansar

Food and Craft Mela:
This Mela is organized by J&K Tourism during Baisakhi every year Held at the picturesque Mansar Lake 62 kms. from Jammu, it is a three day celebration of the local crafts and cuisine, where people from adjoining states also take part.

Dance and Music of Jammu & Kashmir

Rouf Dance
This dance is almost steeped in antiquity. Rouf is always performed in the accompaniment of pleasant pathetic song. It is performed on all festive occasions and particularly on the evenings of Ramzan and IDD days. Group of women face each other and perform simple footwork which has a sensuous charm about it.

Hafiz Nagma
Hafiz Nagma is based on the classical music of Kashmir- the Sofiyiana Kalam. The Sufiyana Kalam has its own ragas known as Muquam. The prominent instrument used in Hafiz Nagma is called Santoor-a hundred stringed instrument played with sticks. The danseuse in this tradition is known as 'Hafiza'.

Song of Habba Khatoon
Habba Khatoon was the renowned princess of Kashmir. Her feelings during her separation form the Yousuf King is depicted in this song. The song is based on the folk renderings of kashmiri Music.

Jagarna
This marriage song cum-dance form has the elements of theatre. Whjile the menfolk of the bridegroom's house have gone with the Barat woment folk are left alone in the house. The bridegroom's mother, aunts, mgradmother and other relations indulge in gossips revelations of their marital life and the behaviour of their husbands. But sometimes, in right earnest, they reveal some intimate incidents and spend the night in the Kashmiri Dance, Jammu & Kashmir Holidaysatmosphere which is un-interrupted by menfolk in ints flow of unending gossip and the movement of frolicking feet.

Surma
This song in Dogri, set to dance reveals the anguish of a newly married girl whose husband is away in the Army. The ever increasing yearning of re-union is depicted through this song-dance.

Bakhan
This folk song is a widely prevalent form of mass entertainment in our region. The haunting Melody of Pahari songs add to the beauty and joy of daily life.There are certain songs which are independent of instruments. "Bakhan" is such a best example. "Bakhan" are in verse. The metre is irregular and is determined by modulation in tone. The movemtn of hand indicates the variations in the note. This is the only form of lyric in Dgri which resembles the Western harmony of sounds without loosing its individual note and rhythem.

Geetru
A dance-song of Dogra Pahari region of Jammu being performed at the occasion of feasts, festivals and marriages by the rural folk parties of this region. Male and female both participate in this dance-song in their traditional costumes. This type of dance-song is performed at any time of the day as well as night.


Visit Sight

SRINAGAR -
 is famous for its lakes and houseboats.Dal LakeThe stunning views and comfort in the house-boats floating in the lake make you feel as though you are in Paradise. The aesthetic Shikaras take you through a maze of intricate waterways passing by the majestic house boats, old wooden houses, floating shops and floating vegetables gardens. The house-boats are adorned with ornate wood-carving, furniture and the famous Kashmiri carpets. The shops floating on the lake sell everything from sarees to shawls as well as ornaments to works of art and craft, all having a touch of the Persian culture and the mughal era.shrinagar At times as you are winding your way through these water, Shikara's selling Kashmiri ornaments shawls with fine embroidery and woolen clothes and amazingly colourful flowers come to you, to hold transactions amidst the lake. This picturesque location leaves a indelible mark in your memory.

GULMARG -
The Apharwat peak can be seen from here, along with the Alpather Lake, a pictographic alpine lake. The lake remains frozen till late June. For ardent fans of horse riding, the Alpather lake has wonders in store. A little below Gulmarg, one comes across the holy shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim Saint. Gulmarg houses the world's highest golf courses. The club house nearby is a splendour in itself. Facilities for golf training are also available here including golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships.

PAHALGAM -
is another interesting place in Jammu and Kashmir and has a lot of attractions for its tourists. Chandanwari, situated 16 kms. from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra.

SONAMARG -
is 80 Km from Srinagar, the place is popular as a base for undertaking trekking expeditions.

Amarnathji is an important pilgrimage in the region. Devout Hindus undertake the long tedious trek to reach the caves during the months of July-August, when icon of Lord Shiva, is formed naturally of an ice-stalagmite.