Kashmir is known for its snow-covered mountains, peaceful lakes, colourful valleys, and rich traditions. But beyond its picture-perfect landscapes, the region has a deep-rooted cultural identity that comes alive during its festivals. Whether you love lively celebrations, spiritual experiences, traditional music, or local food, the festivals of Kashmir offer something unforgettable for every traveller.
If you are planning a holiday and want to enjoy these celebrations in the best way, choosing a well-designed kashmir trip package can help you experience the festivals comfortably while exploring the beauty of the valley.
1. Tulip Festival
Held every year in the famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, the Tulip Festival marks the beginning of spring in Kashmir. The garden showcases tens of thousands of vibrant tulips spread across a massive landscape. Visitors can enjoy cultural shows, local craft shops, Kashmiri food stalls, and traditional music.
This festival is one of the most photographed events and is among the most visited kashmir tourist attractions as travellers from across the world gather to witness the colourful bloom.
2. Shikara Festival
The Shikara Festival is a tribute to Kashmir’s iconic wooden boats. Decorated shikaras, boat races, traditional music, and vibrant cultural programs make Dal Lake come alive during this celebration.
It is a magical experience to watch dozens of beautifully decorated shikaras glide across the lake, reflecting Kashmir’s unique lifestyle and heritage.
If you are visiting during this time, many kashmir trip package itineraries include Shikara Festival events to help tourists enjoy the celebrations up close.
3. Navroz
Navroz is widely celebrated in Kashmir by different communities as a festival of new beginnings. It marks the start of the Persian New Year and is celebrated with special prayers, traditional dishes, family gatherings, and cultural rituals.
Locals prepare delicious meals like "Gushtaba," "Rogan Josh," and "Modur Pulao." The festive spirit can be felt across the entire valley, making Navroz a warm and joyful experience.
4. Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important festivals in Kashmir. After a month of fasting during Ramadan, people come together to celebrate with prayers, feasts, and family visits.
The markets across Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla are decorated beautifully, and local bakeries prepare special Eid desserts. The joyful atmosphere in the streets, markets, and mosques makes it one of the most festive times to visit the valley.
Eid celebrations are also among the top kashmir tourist attractions for travellers who want to witness the region’s cultural richness and hospitality.
5. Urs Festival
The Urs Festival is celebrated at various shrines across Kashmir to honour Sufi saints. It is a spiritual festival filled with soulful Sufi music, prayers, and community meals.
Some of the most popular places where Urs is celebrated include:
Hazratbal Shrine
Charar-e-Sharif
Dastgeer Sahib Shrine
The festival brings together thousands of devotees and offers visitors a chance to understand Kashmir’s deep-rooted spiritual culture.
6. Gurez Festival
Held in the remote but breathtaking Gurez Valley, the Gurez Festival promotes local culture, handmade crafts, and adventure sports. It highlights the unique traditions of the Dard Shin tribe.
Visitors can enjoy:
Folk dance performances
Traditional music
Local food
Cultural exhibitions
Adventure activities like river rafting and camping
Many travellers add Gurez Valley to their itinerary when booking a kashmir trip package, especially during festival season.
7. Mela Kheer Bhawani
Dedicated to the goddess Kheer Bhawani, this festival is celebrated at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gather here for prayers, offerings, and rituals.
The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers, and its peaceful surroundings make it a deeply emotional and spiritual festival. It is one of the most meaningful celebrations in Kashmir’s cultural calendar.
8. Baisakhi
Baisakhi marks the beginning of the harvest season in Kashmir. While the festival is more common in North India, Kashmir celebrates it in a unique way with fairs, folk dances, and market activities.
Farmers celebrate the season with joy, and local communities gather for traditional songs, food, and cultural events. It is a lively festival that showcases the agricultural heritage of the region.
9. Shivratri (Herath)
Shivratri, known locally as "Herath," is one of the most important festivals for Kashmiri Pandits. The celebration lasts for several days with prayers, rituals, family gatherings, and traditional dishes like "Dum Aloo" and "Nadru Yakhni."
Homes are decorated beautifully, and water offerings are made to represent purity and blessings. Herath gives visitors a chance to experience the traditional lifestyle of Kashmiri Pandits.
10. Losar
Losar is widely celebrated in the Ladakh and Kashmir region by the Buddhist community. It marks the Tibetan New Year and includes:
Monastery rituals
Prayer ceremonies
Mask dances
Traditional feasts
Colourful decorations
It is one of the most unique cultural festivals in Kashmir and offers a beautiful glimpse into Buddhist traditions.
Why You Should Attend Festivals During Your Kashmir Trip
Experiencing Kashmir during festival time gives you a chance to:
- Understand the region’s rich traditions
- Experience real Kashmiri hospitality
- Try unique local dishes
- Explore traditional music, dance, and art
- Visit historic shrines and heritage sites
- Capture colourful events perfect for photography
Travellers often choose a kashmir trip package that includes cultural events to enjoy a smooth, guided, and well-planned experience.
Popular Kashmir Tourist Attractions to Explore During Festival Season
While attending festivals, you can also explore some of the most iconic places in the valley. These kashmir tourist attractions perfectly complement your festival trip:
Dal Lake
Gulmarg
Pahalgam
Sonmarg
Shankaracharya Temple
Mughal Gardens
Yousmarg
Aru Valley
Dachigam National Park
Each place adds its own charm, offering stunning views, adventure activities, and peaceful natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir for Festivals
Kashmir celebrates festivals throughout the year, but these months are especially festive:
March - April: Tulip Festival, Navroz
June - August: Shikara Festival, Gurez Festival
October - December: Losar, cultural fairs
November - February: Shivratri preparations, winter events
Plan your travel depending on the festival you want to experience.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Festivals in Kashmir
Book your hotel and flights early during festival season.
Carry warm clothes as the weather can change quickly.
Hire a local guide for cultural insights.
Respect local customs and religious practices.
Try authentic Kashmiri dishes like Wazwan, Kahwa, and Harissa.
Keep your phone and camera ready for colourful festival photography.
Final Thoughts
Kashmir’s festivals beautifully blend culture, religion, nature, and community spirit. Whether it’s the colours of the Tulip Festival, the calm charm of Urs, the excitement of the Shikara Festival, or the cultural richness of Losar, each celebration adds a magical layer to your Kashmir experience.
