Kashmiri Celebrations Unveiled: From Eid to Herath, A Calendar of Cultural Events in Kashmir
By: Javid Amin | October 2025
The valley of Kashmir Valley and the wider region of Jammu & Kashmir are not only scenes of stunning natural beauty but also host to a rich calendar of festivals and cultural events. Whether you’re there in spring, summer, autumn or winter, there is something being celebrated — religious festivals, harvest fairs, flower shows, boat races, Sufi gatherings and more.
This article maps out the major festivals of Kashmir: when they happen, how they’re celebrated, what makes them special — under the headings: Eid Festivals, Navratri & Shivratri, Sufi Music Festivals, Local Fairs & Events, Seasonal Observances, and a handy FAQ section. As part of our Culture pillar, and linking into our Music & Arts cluster, the aim is to bring alive the rhythm and texture of Kashmiri celebrations.
Eid Festivals
Among the most widely celebrated festivals in Kashmir are the Muslim festivals of Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan (the fasting month) for Muslims. In Kashmir, the celebration begins with communal prayers in the morning, followed by greetings, sweet dishes, new clothes, visits to relatives, and social feasting. The observance is widespread given the Muslim majority in the valley.
Families often prepare special dishes, sweets, exchange Eidi (gifts, money) for children, and host visits from friends and neighbours.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “sacrificial feast,” commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Kashmir, this festival includes the ritual of sacrificing an animal (often a goat or sheep), distributing portions of meat to family, friends and the needy.
It is also a time of charity, community outreach and reflection on selfless giving.
Also Read | Culture of Kashmir: Traditions, Customs & Festivals
Why These Matter
These Eid festivals are significant because they highlight:
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the communal dimension of Kashmiri society (large gatherings, shared meals)
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the rhythm of religious life (the lunar calendar, fasting, feasting)
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the way cultural identity and religion are intertwined (local foods, traditions, decorations)
Tips for Visitors
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If visiting during Eid, expect the early-morning prayers and lots of social visits; many markets may open late or close early.
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Dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting mosques or elders’ homes.
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If invited for a meal, it is a sign of great hospitality — accepting is a gesture of respect.
Navratri & Shivratri
While much of the popular focus on Kashmir often centres on the Muslim majority and Muslim festivals, it is important to recognise the Hindu festivals that continue to add colour, tradition and heritage to the region.
Maha Shivratri (Herath)
For the Kashmiri Pandit Hindu community in the valley, what they call Herath corresponds to the celebration of Maha Shivratri — an important night-festival of Lord Shiva. In Kashmir, this is marked with special rituals in homes and temples, offerings (often walnuts, rice), observance of fasts, night vigils and temple visits.
This festival connects modern Kashmiri Hindus with centuries-old Shaivite traditions—part of the larger cultural tapestry of the region.
Navratri
Navratri (nine nights of devotion to Goddess Durga) is observed especially in the Jammu region of J&K, though some observances reach the valley as well. The festival often includes community prayers, pujas, fasting, music, dance and social gatherings.
It serves as a time of spiritual rejuvenation, cultural performance and community bonding.
Why These Matter
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These festivals show the plural religious identity of Kashmir — not just one community, but many.
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They link to older cultural and philosophical traditions (for instance, Kashmir Shaivism for Hindu heritage).
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They illustrate how festivals are also shaped by geography, season and community.
How To Experience
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Attend a night vigil or ritual at a temple (with permission) to see the spiritual atmosphere.
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In the Jammu region, local fairs and folk-dance performances accompany these festivals.
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Respect local customs: men and women may dress differently, and photographs inside sacred spaces may be restricted.
Also Read | Houseboat Stay in Srinagar – Ultimate Guide to Dal Lake Luxury (2025 – 2026)
Sufi Music Festivals
The spiritual and cultural fabric of Kashmir is deeply enriched by the Sufi tradition — and with it come festivals centred around shrines (urs), devotional music, poetry and communal gathering.
Urs Festivals
The term “urs” marks the death anniversary of a saint in Islamic Sufi tradition, celebrated as a union with the divine. In Kashmir, shrines of saints like Nund Rishi (the great Rishi saint) attract devotees from multiple faiths.
These celebrations often include qawwali (Sufi devotional singing), communal meals, chanting, dhikr (remembrance), and sometimes poetry competitions.
Role of Music and Arts
At many of these Sufi festivals, music is the heart: the santoor, rabab, tabla, harmonium. The gatherings reflect the link between devotion, art and social cohesion. The presence of multiple communities (sometimes Hindu, Muslim, Sikh) in these spaces emphasises the inter-faith dimension of the valley.
These events are part of the “Music & Arts” cluster of our coverage — they show how sound, rhythm and ritual come together.
Why These Matter
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They illustrate how Kashmir’s religious heritage is not only in temples or mosques but in shared cultural performance.
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They reinforce the idea of Kashmiriyat — the local ethos of shared cultural space across faiths.
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They provide a bridge between tradition and tourism: many travellers are drawn to the musical festivals for their unique vibe.
Visiting Tips
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Check local calendars for upcoming urs and shrine festivals. Many are seasonal or follow lunar calendars.
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Dress modestly, speak softly in shrine premises, and respect rituals — often shoes are removed, heads covered.
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Arrive early — seating may be informal, and places fill up quickly.
Also Read | History of Kashmir Valley: From Ancient to Modern Times
Calendar of festivals in Kashmir month-by-month
A month-by-month calendar of major festivals and cultural events in the Kashmir Valley / Jammu & Kashmir region for 2025 (with a few into 2026) — including verified dates where available, plus notes and tips. You can use this as a planning guide.
(Note: Some dates depend on lunar/seasonal cycles or weather, so always check local announcements closer to the time.)
January
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Lohri (13 January 2025) — A harvest/agrarian winter-festival in Jammu region, involving bonfires, folk songs and community gatherings.
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Spituk Gustor (29-30 January 2025) — A Buddhist monastery festival in the Ladakh region (part of J&K) featuring masked dances and tantric rituals.
February
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Dosmoche (9-10 Feb 2025) — A traditional festival of Leh/Ladakh involving mask dances, prayers, and cultural performances.
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Basant Panchami (2 Feb 2025) — Celebrated in parts of J&K, especially Jammu region, marking the arrival of spring.
March
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Nowruz (20 March 2025) — Celebrated in some Persian-influenced and Central Asian cultural segments in J&K, marking the new year of spring.
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Losar (3-5 March 2025) — Tibetan Buddhist new-year festival in Ladakh region.
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Matho Nagrang (8-9 March 2025) — A lesser-known festival in Ladakh region, involving processions and mask dances.
April
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Baisakhi (13 April 2025) — Harvest & Sikh tradition, celebrated in Jammu region; marks the start of the Vaisakh month.
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Kashmir Tulip Festival (Spring 2025: 15 March – 20 April 2025) — Held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, this is one of the biggest floral festivals in Kashmir.
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Opening date for 2025: ~23 March 2025.
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Best bloom period: late March to mid-April.
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Additional note: Because this festival depends on weather and bloom cycles, the exact duration may shift slightly.
May
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Saka Dawa (June or May depending on lunar calendar, 2025: 11 June) — A Buddhist festival in Ladakh area commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & parinirvana.
June
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Amarnath Yatra (27 June – 11 August 2025) — A major Hindu pilgrimage through J&K to the Amarnath cave.
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Hemis Festival (5-6 July 2025 in Ladakh area) — A Tibetan Buddhist festival marking the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, shown in early July 2025.
July & August
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Chinar Book Festival (2-10 August 2025) — A cultural event in Srinagar featuring books, poetry, arts & technology.
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Khelo India Water Sports Festival (August 2025) — A new-age sports & cultural festival on Dal Lake, Srinagar, emphasising water sports and youth engagement.
September
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Ladakh Festival (21-24 Sept 2025) — A celebration of Ladakhi culture & heritage, with folk music, dance, archery etc.
November & December
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Galdan Namchot (18 December 2025) — A significant Buddhist festival in Ladakh marking the birth of Je Tsongkhapa.
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Navratra (22 Sept – 2 Oct (approx) 2025) — A pan-Indian Hindu festival, observed in Jammu & Kashmir region too.
Also Read | Top 10 Tourist Places in Kashmir Valley – Your Ultimate Guide to Kashmir Sightseeing
How to Use This Calendar
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Plan your travel: If you wish to attend a festival, note the dates above and book accommodation/tickets early (especially for high-demand events like the Tulip Festival or Amarnath Yatra).
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Check local updates: Many dates (especially for nature-festivals like Tulips) depend on weather or lunar calendars. Confirm closer to the date.
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Engage respectfully: Festivals often include religious rituals — if you visit, dress modestly, respect local customs, follow guides.
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Make it cultural, not only tourist-y: Go beyond the spectacle — explore local craft stalls, folk music, food, meet locals for the full cultural experience.
Local Fairs & Events
Kashmir’s cultural calendar also features fairs, tourist-oriented festivals, seasonal events, and local valley celebrations — many of which bring together tradition, nature and community.
Tulip Festival
In spring, the famous Tulip Festival in Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden becomes one of Kashmir’s most photogenic events — rows of tulips in bloom, craft stalls, music and food.
The festival celebrates the arrival of spring, the natural beauty of the valley, and draws tourists and locals alike.
Shikara Festival
On the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, the Shikara Festival features boat races, decorated shikaras (wooden boats), folk music, and the unique aquatic culture of the valley.
It’s part celebration, part tourism promotion — but it reflects a living tradition of lake-life in Kashmir.
Saffron Festival
In the saffron-growing region of Pampore, the Saffron Festival celebrates the annual saffron harvest — farmers, tourists, craft displays, folk performances.
It connects agriculture, craft, nature and culture.
Other Local Events
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The Gurez Festival in the Gurez Valley, with trekking, rafting, cultural showcases.
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Fairs at temple sites like the Purmandal Mela near Jammu during Maha Shivratri.
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Flower-bloom festivals, seasonal fairs, craft-exhibitions linked to valleys, high-altitude passes, and lakes.
Why These Matter
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They highlight how culture in Kashmir is lived — not only inside religious buildings but outside, in gardens, lakes, fields, boats.
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They often combine nature + tradition + tourism, which means they help promote local economy, crafts and identity.
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They allow visitors and locals alike to engage with the region beyond typical sightseeing: the festival becomes an immersive cultural experience.
Visiting Tips
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Many of these festivals are seasonal — early planning is key (eg. Tulip festival in spring, saffron festival in autumn).
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Book accommodation early (especially Srinagar houseboats during spring).
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Respect local environment: many of these events take place in ecologically sensitive areas (lakes, gardens).
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Engage with craft stalls and local food — it’s part of the festival experience.
Also Read | Complete Jammu & Kashmir Travel Guide for 2026
Seasonal Observances
Some of the most beautiful festival-moments in Kashmir are tied to the seasons — the bloom of almonds, tulips, saffron; the ice melting; the high-altitude passes opening; and earlier traditions marking new years or harvests.
Spring Festivals
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The almond bloom and other flower festivals mark the valley’s emergence from winter.
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The Persian/ Central Asian new year, Nowruz, is celebrated in early spring in some parts of Kashmir.
Harvest & Autumn Festivals
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Harvest festivals like Baisakhi (in April) mark the agrarian rhythm in the Jammu region.
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The Saffron festival in October/November celebrates the saffron crop.
Why These Matter
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These observances tie human activity to nature’s cycles — the land, the climate, the produce.
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They reflect how geography (valley, mountains, lake, high-altitude passes) shapes culture.
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They offer less-touristy, more atmospheric experiences of Kashmiri life.
Visiting Tips
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Dress for the season: even spring can bring cool mornings in Kashmir; autumn may be chilly.
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Early morning visits to bloom festivals give the best light and fewer crowds.
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Respect local timing of fairs and closures: some festivals depend on local calendars or weather windows.
Also Read | Offbeat Kashmir Destinations That Feel Like You’re Abroad
FAQ’s
Q1. When are the major festivals in Kashmir?
A: Festivals happen throughout the year. Some cluster by season: e.g., spring (Tulip Festival, Nowruz), summer (Shikara, Srinagar boat events), autumn (Saffron festival, harvest fairs), winter (Lohri in Jammu, Buddhist festivals in Ladakh).
Q2. Which festival is the most significant in Kashmir?
A: There is no single “most significant” festival — significance depends on community and region. For the majority Muslim population, Eid festivals are major. For agricultural cycles, Baisakhi or saffron celebrations are key. For tourism & nature, Tulip and Shikara festivals stand out.
Q3. Are these festivals safe for tourists?
A: Yes — in general, many festivals are well-attended, organised and welcoming to visitors. However, visitors should check local conditions (weather, accessibility, permissions) and follow local guidance.
Q4. How can I participate respectfully as a visitor?
A: Dress modestly and according to local norms. Ask permission before photography especially in religious spaces. Respect the environment. Make advance booking of accommodation during festival peaks. Engage with local vendors and artisans (supporting local economy is respectful).
Q5. Which festival would you recommend for someone wanting to experience Kashmiri culture deeply?
A: If I were to pick one: the Tulip Festival offers an accessible and scenic entry point. But for deeper cultural immersion, attending a Sufi urs or a shrine-festival gives a more authentic flavour of Kashmir’s layered heritage.
Also Read | Religious Heritage in Kashmir: Communities & Traditions
Bottom-Line
Kashmir’s festivals are more than just colourful events or tourist spectacles — they are a window into how people, land, faith, art and nature intertwine in this valley. Through festivals you glimpse the hospitality, the rhythm of seasons, the craft, the devotional life, the music, the joyous gatherings.
Whether you attend an Eid prayer, a night vigil at Shivratri, a boat race on Dal Lake, or walk through a tulip garden at dawn — you will carry away more than memories; you’ll carry a sense of Kashmiri celebrations that go beyond the ordinary.