JAMMU & KASHMIR
Widely known as the Switzerland of Asia, in recent years this state's status as the foremost tourist destination in India has been tarnished by terrorism and violence.
KASHMIR STATS:
TOTAL AREA: 222,236 Sq. Km (85,806 Sq. Mi) | Rank: 5th |
POPULATION (2011): 12,548,926 | Rank: 19th |
CAPITAL CITY: Jammu (summer); Srinagar (winter) | |
LARGEST CITY: Srinagar | |
LITERACY RATE: 66.7% | Rank: 26th |
HDI: 0.601 | Rank: 17th |
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English, Urdu | |
Official Website: www.jammukashmir.nic.in |
CENTRAL:
SRINAGAR: Capital City. This city has a long history, first , as "Srinagri", founded by Emperor Ashoka. The Mughuls and the British have also been under the spell of this enchanted city and the state.
House Boats on Dal Lake | |
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Shalimar Gardens, Srinagar; one of the many remnants of Mughal Rule in Kashmir. These gardens evoke the images of Persian gardens at their best. | |
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Floating Gardens on Gulmurg |
Srinagar
Jamia Mosque, Jammu |
Rajarani Temple |
Mukteswar Temple |
Gurudwara Singh Sabha |
EAST:
Some Temples of Jammu |
Jammu, Amar Mahal |
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JAMMU: LADAKH REGION
Hemis Monastery |
Leh Palace, LEH (Ladakh Region)
FESTIVALS
Bahu Mela:
Bahu Mela is one of the best Hindu festivals of Jammu; it is an astounding celebration held in the Bahu Fort of the region. The mela is stacked with fun, skip, and jubilance, with lights embellishing the whole place, illuminating the entire atmosphere. One can witness the marvellous traditions of the community of Jammu, from the way they dress up, to partaking in the tasty food present all through this celebration. This mela is a great opportunity to witness the vitality with which festivities are welcomed in Jammu. All participants wear their most splendid gatherings, and occupants exchange favors as a sign of worship and warmth towards one another.
Urs:
(February) Eid Ul Fitr is celebrated on the last day of a month-long fasting in Ramzan or Ramadan. Namaz is offered six times on this day and fast is broken with feasting. Exchange of sweets and wearing new clothes, meeting relatives, and sharing wishes complete this peaceful festival. Eid ul Azha or Bakra Eid is celebrated in the second half of the year when a goat, camel, or sheep is sacrificed in every Muslim Household. It takes its origin from their principle of Kurbani or Sacrifice. The Urs or Ziarats is an important festival in Kashmir which witnesses participation from Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. It is a huge inter-communal celebration and is celebrated many times in a year.
This festival is celebrated on the death anniversaries of eminent Muslim saints like Meesha Sahib, Batamol Sahib, and Bahauddin. Often bad weather is faced on the day of Urs celebrations, despite which a huge celebration is marked by people from all religions.
Tulip Festival:
(May)
With hundreds of Tulip Gardens in all of Kashmir, the state flourishes with Tulips during the spring season. With the largest Tulip Garden in Asia in its bounty, Srinagar plays host to the great Tulip Festival every year. The festival boasts of the variety of Tulips garnered here. During the springs, the sight of the tulips in any of these gardens is a sight to behold, undoubtedly a mesmerizing and breath-taking sight, especially for a non-Kashmiri.
Tulip Festival takes place at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir. The festival features a showcase of local handicrafts, luscious cuisine, cultural programs, and of course, Tulips!
STATE SYMBOLS: (COURTESY WIKIPEDIA)
State animal | Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) | |
State bird | Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) | |
State flower | Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) | |
State tree | Chinar tree (Platanus oreintalis) | |
State seal | ||
State flag |
TOURIST INFORMATION:
CONTACT: Directorate of Information, Jammu & Kashmir Govt.
Tel: (Nov-Apr): 0191-2544076, 2540088, 2578835 Fax: 0191-2544643
(May-Oct): 0194-2452294, 2452437 0194-2452227
email: dipjk@jk.nic.in or jmt_info@sanchamet.in
JAMMU & KASHMIR CUISINE
SIGNATURE DISHES OF JAMMU & KASHMIR
DUM ALOO KASHMIRI
The following are six must try dishes from Kashmir courtesy of www.dnaindia.com
ROGAN GOSHT
Tabak Maaz
Lamb ribs with turmeric, cinnamon and saffron
The front ribs of a fatty goat poached in moval essence, spices and fennel and then seared in ghee makes tabak maas, the Kashmiri lamb chops worth a try.
Rista
Small lamb dumplings in an onion, chilli and saffron gravy
This traditional recipe consists of lamb meatballs made with minced meat and poached in turmeric water to cook in a stock.
Kashmiri haakh
A traditional Kashmiri collard green preparation
Made with Kashmiri collard green that is grown in lake water and known for its bitter sharp taste, haakh is collard green cooked with
fennel.
Kong Phirni
Saffron flavoured rice pudding with pistachio and cashew nuts
Khubani ka halwa
Fresh apricot pudding with dry fruits
The photos were taken at Maya Restaurant, The Trident, BKC. Special thanks to Chef Jeewan Singh, head chef at Maya and Chef Rehman Mujeebur of Kitchenette-e-Awadh