Festivals and Events in Jammu & Kashmir

Some of the important festivals in Jammu and Kashmir are Lohri, Baisakhi, Losar Mela, and Dosmoche Fair.

In the month of September, Ladakh comes alive with the Festival of Ladakh. Local people, wearing traditional robes, bedecked with gold and silver ornaments and turquoise embellished headgear join monks in orange in a joyful crowd on the streets of Leh. Dancers wearing colourful masks sway to the sonorous thump of drums, the tinkle of cymbals and the toots of trumpets. The Yak, Lion, and Tashishpa dances tell tales from the many legends and fables of the hidden kingdom of Ladakh.

Ancient monasteries are decked out in white silk scarves and colourful flags flutter in the mountain breeze. Archery competitions, yak races, and horse-polo enliven the festival while visitors feast on sumptuous Ladakh cuisine.