Jammu & Kashmir give a glimpse of the true Indian culture and traditions. Also called as crown of India, this state has always been one of the most visited places owing to its diverse culture and rich heritage which people get to explore. The entire state is subdivided into three regions namely the Jammu, Kashmir and Laddakh. All the three regions follow a different trend, like the major population of Jammu includes Hindu while Kashmir is dominated by the Muslim community and Laddakh is known for its Buddhist culture.

The state, also referred as “paradise on earth” organizes a number of fairs thus bringing out the true heritage that India beholds.

Every year lots of people visit the state to enjoy a variety of fairs.

Some of the popular fairs that are organized by the Jammu & Kashmir state are Kheer Bhawan Srinagar, Amarnath Yatra, Mansar Food and Craft Mela, Lohri festival Jammu, Baisakhi festival Jammu, Chaitre Chandresh Jammu, Hiri Mela Jammu, Hiri Mela Jammu, Winter Sports Kashmir and many more.  The fairs are just a medium to bring people together and also promote the tourism of the state.

Major fairs

Jhiri Mela

The Jhiri Mela is one of the popular fairs organized usually during the months of October or November. The fair is organized in the memories of an honest farmer called Jitu Baba who belonged to the village of Jhiri. He was greatly tortured by his landlord due to which he gave up his life just to fight against the evil practices. Since that time only, this fair is organized by the people of this village to pay homage to the sacrifice made by Jitu. The fair is not only enjoyed by the local people but many tourists especially from North India come to be a part of this celebration. The village Jhiri is located only 14 kms from Jammu.

Chaitre Chaudash Mela

The Mela is organized in the months of March and April attracting a lot of crowd to enjoy the fair. Uttar Behni is the village which this mela is held and located around 25 kms from the state of Jammu.

Purmandal mela

According to the name of the mela, it is organized at the village called Purmandal which is 39 kms away from the state Jammu. The fair marks the important day of Maha Shivratri when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.

Bahu Mela

This mela is dedicated to Goddess Kali and a popular fair organized twice, one in the March-April session while the other in September-October. The fair is held within the premises of the temple and attracting a huge gathering of people from different corners of India.

Food and Craft Mela

The Food and Craft Mela is held during Baisakhi at the most beautiful locations around the Manar Lake. The destination is about 62 kms from the main boundary of the state but people still turn out in large numbers to explore the local art and craft. The fair is a part of J&K Tourism and therefore receives a lot of importance.