Jammu and Kashmir is the northern most state of India in the Great Himalayas. It is blessed with magnificent beauty. Srinagar is Kashmir's summer capital and Jammu is its winter capital.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into three distinct regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Across from the main Himalaya Range, the southwest cloudbands break up and the climate of Ladakh and Zanskar is extremely dry and cold desert land, surrounded by towering high, perpetually snow capped mountain peaks.
Kashmir is famous for its scenic beauty and bracing climate. This area is fertile Vale of Kashmir known as The Valley, with its beautiful gardens, lakes and the pretty shikaras (house boats) which lies between the Himalayas and the surrounding Pir Panjal mountain range. Here the climate is mild and the soil well watered. It is also india's one of the most beautiful and touristically popular regions.
Geographically the Jammu is southernmost part of the state, sometimes it is known as the winter capital of the state when Kashmir is cloaked in snow. The most popular historical attraction in Jammu is Amar Mahal Place.
People of Ladakh and Kashmir are waiting for the snow to melt on the high passes. From October onwards, Jammu becomes a much more pleasant destination. However, the best time to enjoy in Kashmir and the Ladakh region is between the months of May and September.
In the Kashmir valley majority of Muslims are living while Hindus live mostly in the south and around the city of Jammu and the Ladakh region, where the majority of the people are the Trans-Himalayan Buddhism.
The majority of the population is occupied in agriculture with rice and crop. Many temperate fruits and vegetables are grown in areas adjacent to urban markets.
Jammu celebrates Lohri and Baisakhi Festival in February. Bahu Mela, a major festival of Jammu region is held at the Kali temple in Bahu Fort, this is celebrates twice a year during March-April and September-October. Whereas Urs or Ziarats is a typical Kashmiri festival. It is held annually at the shrines of Muslim saints on their death anniversaries. This is celebrated in different parts of Srinagar, not only by Muslims but Hindus and Sikhs also.
Jammu and Kashmir's largest city is Sringar, located on the Jhelum River. It is considered to be a small-sized Lake District. The popular pilgrimage destination of Amarnath shrine is situated in Srinagar, located inside a cave in the Himalayas. The Kheer Bhawani Temple is located 30 kilometers away from Srinagar. It is dedicated to the Goddess Ragnya Devi and is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Kashmir.
Kashmir is well known throughout the world as much for making its arts and crafts such as shawls, rugs, wool and hand-woven carpets. People used to wear the pheran, a long loose gown hanging down below the knees, a white turban tied on a skull cap, a close-fitting shalwar and lace less shoes known as gurgabi.
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