Jammu is a region steeped in culture and traditions, where fairs and festivals play a vital role in bringing people together and celebrating the rich heritage of the area. These events are marked by devotion, community participation, and vibrant displays of local customs. Here’s an overview of the key fairs and festivals celebrated in Jammu:
1. Lohri
When: January
What: Lohri is one of the most significant festivals in Jammu, celebrated to mark the end of winter and the harvest of rabi crops. It is a festival of joy and bonfires, especially for the agricultural community.
How: People gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, and distribute sweets like rewri, gajak, and til. Families celebrate with feasts, and it is particularly important for families who have recently welcomed a newborn or had a marriage in the family.
Significance: Lohri symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the sun’s journey to the northern hemisphere.
2. Baisakhi
When: April
What: Baisakhi marks the New Year for the farming community and the harvest season for wheat. It is also a major festival for Sikhs, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh.
How: The festival is celebrated with dances, especially Bhangra and Gidda, and fairs in villages and towns. Gurudwaras are decorated, and prayers are offered, followed by community meals (langars). People also take dips in rivers as part of religious rituals.
Significance: It’s a time to thank God for a good harvest and seek blessings for future prosperity.
