Kashmir’s Spiritual Legacy: Communities and Traditions That Shaped Its Religious Heritage
By: Javid Amin | October 2025
The valley of Kashmir Valley — and the wider region of Jammu & Kashmir — is not just a site of breathtaking natural beauty, but also of complex and deeply rooted religious heritage. Understanding the religion in Kashmir means delving into the traditions of the majority Muslim population, the historic Hindu communities (especially the Kashmiri Pandits), and the smaller but significant Sikh presence. It means looking at centuries-old Sufi shrines, Shaivite temples, gurdwaras and the festivals that connect them all.
In this article, we will examine:
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The influence of Islam and Sufi culture in Kashmir
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The heritage of Hindu traditions in the valley
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The role and traditions of Sikhs in Kashmir
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How religious festivals are celebrated across communities
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The theme of social harmony — the ideal of Kashmiriyat — and its status today
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A set of FAQ’s to clarify common questions
We will weave links to our Religion & Society pillar and the History & Culture pillar to help you explore deeper.
Also Read | History of Kashmir Valley: From Ancient to Modern Times
Muslim Influence & Sufi Culture
Demographics & Spread
The Muslim population in the Kashmir Valley is predominant. According to official figures, in the Kashmir division of Jammu & Kashmir Muslims account for approximately 97.16% of the population, with Hindus at around 2.45% and Sikhs 0.81%.
Across the broader Jammu & Kashmir territory, Muslims formed around 68.3% of the population in the 2011 Census.
This scale of majority means Islam has deeply shaped the region’s religious culture, public rituals, social life, architecture and art.
Sufi Traditions & Spiritual Syncretism
One of the most defining features of Muslim religious culture in Kashmir is the Sufi tradition. A key figure is Nund Rishi (also called Sheikh ul-Alam), a 14th-15th century mystic whose teachings emphasized simplicity, non-violence, equality and were followed by people across religions.
His shrine at Charar‑e‑Sharief in Budgam is one of the most sacred Muslim-heritage sites in the valley.
The concept of Kashmiriyat — which emphasises shared heritage, religious co-existence and regional identity — is deeply influenced by the syncretic Sufi ethos in Kashmir.
Historical Trajectory
Historically, prior to Muslim rule, the region was dominated by Hindu dynasties (for instance, see the era of the Karkota and Utpala).
From the 14th century onward Islam gradually became dominant via conversions, Sufi missionary activity and political change. The medieval Sultanate period (from about 1339) marked the shift to Muslim-rule in the region.
Sufi orders adapted to local culture, and in many cases, Sufi shrines became meeting-points for people of different faiths: the Rishi order, for example, drew Hindu yogis and Muslim mystics alike.
Religious Practices & Institutions
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Friday congregational prayers (Jum’ah) are central to community life.
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Sufi urs (death anniversaries) of saints draw pilgrims from across communities.
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Mosques and shrines (e.g., Charar e Sharief) act as spiritual, social and cultural centres.
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The blending of local languages (Kashmiri), Persian/Urdu religious literature and folk traditions is visible in devotional songs (qawwalis), poetry, and shrine culture.
Challenges and Change
In recent decades, the religious and social terrain has faced strain. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, conflicts, demographic anxieties, and pressures on Sufi traditions have meant the Sufi syncretic culture is under pressure.
At the same time, there is a renewed interest among younger generations to reconnect with Sufi heritage and to revive shared spiritual practices.
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Hindu Heritage
Origins and Philosophical Contributions
The Hindu heritage in Kashmir is deep and ancient. One of the most significant contributions is the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, a school of philosophy that emerged among Kashmiri Hindus and had an influence well beyond the valley.
Kashmiri Hindus — often referred to as Kashmiri Pandits — were historically the major Hindu community in the valley and held a prominent place in scholarship, governance, temple culture and literature.
Demographic Shift & Exodus
Documentation indicates that the Hindu population in the valley underwent sharp declines during the late 20th century. The event known as the Exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in the early 1990s saw between 90,000–100,000 Pandits leave their homes in the valley amid rising militant activity.
These demographic shifts have affected Hindu temple culture, community rituals, and the lived experience of Hindu heritage in Kashmir today.
Temples and Ritual Life
Hindu temples across the valley bear witness to centuries of spiritual practice. For example, the Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla is a pilgrimage site for Kashmiri Pandits where local festivals celebrate goddess Ragnya Devi. The rituals blend local customs with Vedic traditions.
Hindu devotional practices such as worship of Shiva, Shakti, and adherence to Kashmir Shaivite philosophy have persisted even under changing political regimes.
Cultural Interaction & Shared Space
Historically, Kashmir’s Hindu heritage did not exist in isolation. The same region saw Buddhist traditions, then Islamic Sufi traditions, interact and overlap. The ethos of Kashmiriyat included Hindu and Muslim devotional culture sharing space.
Many Hindu festivals, temple fairs and rituals were attended or respected by Muslim neighbours, and architecture, language and art often crossed religious lines.
Modern Revival & Heritage Concerns
In recent years there are efforts to restore Hindu temples, revive Pandit cultural life, and document the religious heritage of the community. Nevertheless, challenges remain: displacement, loss of property, erosion of local community rituals, and the need for heritage conservation.
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Sikh Traditions
Historical Presence
Although a smaller community in numerical terms, Sikhs have a historical presence in Jammu & Kashmir.
Records show that the Sikh presence in the region dates back to visits by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1518, and during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century the Sikh Empire extended into Kashmir.
During the Sikh rule (1819–1846), migration of Punjabi-Sikhs into Kashmir and administrators from Sikh-dominated areas increased the community’s footprint.
Community Life & Traditions
Kashmiri Sikhs speak a distinct regional dialect of Pahari Punjabi and maintain gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) in the region.
Religious practices of Sikhs in Kashmir include standard Sikh rituals (gurdwara services, Guru Granth Sahib recitation, community langar), alongside community celebrations of Gurpurabs (birth anniversaries of the Gurus).
Given their smaller numbers and minority status, the Sikh community often plays a bridging role in inter-religious engagements.
Challenges & Outlook
The Sikh community, like the Hindus, has been affected by the broader political and social upheavals in Kashmir. Some community members have migrated, and remaining ones advocate for preservation of religious and cultural spaces (gurdwaras, community centres) and recognition of their heritage in the valley.
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Religious Festivals
Festivals are vibrant manifestations of religious heritage. In Kashmir, festivals serve multiple roles: liturgical, social, cultural and communal. They bring communities together, mark seasons, and allow heritage to live.
Featured Festivals
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Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha (Muslim communities): These are major religious festivals in the Muslim calendar, marked by communal prayers (Eid namaz), charity (zakat), feasting and social visits.
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Navreh (Kashmiri Pandit New Year): Celebrated by Hindus in Kashmir, Navreh marks the onset of the year in the Kashmiri lunar calendar. Rituals include offerings, viewing of auspicious items (soorath), and visits to temples.
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Gurpurab / Guru Nanak Jayanti (Sikh community): Observed with services in gurdwaras, singing of hymns, community meals and congregations.
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Urs (Sufi anniversary celebrations): Sufi shrines of Kashmir, like at Charar-e-Sharief, hold the “urs” of saint-poets such as Nund Rishi, which are attended by devotees across faiths.
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Pilgrimage fairs & temple festivals: For instance, the Kheer Bhawani festival for Kashmiri Pandits draws large numbers of devotees. Festivals often blend nature, culture and devotion.
Communal and Shared Celebrations
A remarkable feature of religious festivals in Kashmir is the crossover participation: Hindus, Muslims, even Sikhs, occasionally attend each other’s festivals, reflecting the ethos of Kashmiriyat. For example, the shrine of Nund Rishi attracts both Hindu and Muslim devotees.
Such shared celebrations symbolize a social bridge despite the region’s troubles.
Seasonal & Cultural Significance
Many festivals in Kashmir are tied to seasons (e.g., spring blooms, harvests) and geography (valley, lakes, mountains). This intertwining of devotion and nature underscores how religion in Kashmir is grounded in place as much as belief.
Festivals stimulate local economy, crafts (shawls, carpets, religious items) and tourism—thus influencing culture beyond the ritual sphere.
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Social Harmony
The Principle of Kashmiriyat
The indigenous concept of Kashmiriyat is a cultural-religious ethos characterised by communal harmony, shared language and heritage, pride in the valley, and the idea that different religious communities could live together in mutual respect.
Kashmiriyat has roots in both Hindu and Muslim traditions: the Rishi-Sufi cultural matrix allowed religious fluidity, shared space, inter-faith respect and pluralism.
Shared Rituals & Inter-Community Friendships
There are many instances historically of Hindus visiting Muslim shrines, Muslims participating in Hindu fairs, Sikhs engaging in local cultural life. The psyche of the valley was shaped by these interactions as much as by distinct religious identity.
For example, the shrine of Nund Rishi attracted followers from multiple faiths.
Strains, Conflict & Resilience
While social harmony has been a hallmark of Kashmir’s heritage, it has not been unbroken. The rise of militancy in 1989-90, the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, and communal tensions have challenged this ethos.
Nevertheless, many local actors and community groups continue to promote inter-faith dialogue, restoration of shared heritage, and revival of cultural practices that reflect unity.
Why Harmony Matters
Religious harmony matters for social stability, preservation of heritage, tourism, regional identity and cultural resilience. In a place where geography isolates as much as it protects, social unity becomes a key source of strength. The religious heritage of Kashmir isn’t only about separate communities—it is about the shared valley, shared crafts, shared history.
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FAQ’s
Q1. What is the majority religion in the Kashmir Valley?
A: In the Kashmir Valley (Kashmir division of Jammu & Kashmir), Muslims constitute about 97% of the population. Hindus and Sikhs together make up only a small portion (Hindus ~2.45%, Sikhs ~0.81%).
Q2. Who are the Kashmiri Pandits?
A: The Kashmiri Pandits are the indigenous Hindu community of the Kashmir Valley. They are ethnic Kashmiris who practice Hinduism and have a legacy of scholarship, temple culture, and contribution to Kashmirite philosophy (especially Kashmir Shaivism).
Q3. What role do Sufi shrines play in Kashmir?
A: Sufi shrines in Kashmir (e.g., Charar-e-Sharief) serve as spiritual centres for Muslims and often attract devotees across faiths. They promote the legacy of saints like Nund Rishi who preached equality, non-violence and cross-faith harmony.
Q4. Are Sikh communities present in Kashmir?
A: Yes. While small in numbers, the Sikh community has roots in the region. They arrived via migration during the Sikh Empire and earlier, maintain gurdwaras, speak a distinct dialect of Punjabi and engage in religious and communal life in the valley and Jammu region.
Q5. What is Kashmiriyat and does it still exist?
A: Kashmiriyat is the cultural ethos of harmony, shared identity, and cross-faith respect in Kashmir. It flourished under Sufi and Rishi traditions and was historically aimed at maintaining communal peace. Although it has been challenged by conflict and demographic change, many believe the spirit still lives in local customs, festivals, crafts and daily interaction.
Also Read | Culture of Kashmir: Traditions, Customs & Festivals
Bottom-Line
The religious heritage of Kashmir is rich, layered and deeply interwoven with its geography, culture and history. From the profound influence of Sufi Islam, the scholarly and temple traditions of Hinduism, to the presence of Sikh communities navigating minority status, the valley tells a story of faith, heritage and human interaction.
The festivals, shrines, temples, gurdwaras, pilgrimages, rituals and shared spaces all affirm that religion in Kashmir is not merely about belief—it is about belonging, land, craft, language and community.
In times of challenge, the notion of Kashmiriyat — of shared valley identity — remains a beacon of hope. Revisiting and preserving the multiple strands of heritage is essential for the future of communities in Kashmir.