North India · Union territory
Jammu and Kashmir
The Kashmir valley's lakes and chinar avenues, the Pir Panjal, and the temple town of Jammu — reorganised as a union territory in 2019.
- Capital
- Srinagar — Srinagar and Jammu have historically functioned as summer and winter capitals; the administration has moved toward year-round working in both cities.
- Languages
- Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, English (official); Gojri, Pahari — major and official languages, not an exclusive list.
Cultural traditions, arts & crafts
- • Pashmina and kani shawl weaving
- • Sozni and aari embroidery, papier-mâché and walnut wood carving
- • Sufiana kalam music and Chakri folk song
- • Wazwan, the multi-course Kashmiri banquet
Major festivals
- Tulip Festival, Srinagar — April (dates vary — verify current dates)
- Shikara Festival — Announced annually (dates vary — verify current dates)
- Baisakhi and Lohri in Jammu — January and April
Traditional dress & textiles
Dress varies by community, district, occasion and generation; everyday clothing today is often contemporary. These are representative traditions rather than a single state costume.
- • The pheran, a loose woollen gown, is worn in winter by many communities across genders
- • Kashmiri women's ceremonial dress may include the kasaba or taranga headdress depending on community
- • Dogra communities in Jammu wear salwar kameez, kurta-pyjama and turbans at ceremonies
Where to go
Show Jammu and Kashmir on the explore mapSources & verify
- Jammu & Kashmir Tourism (official)
- Know India — States & UTs (Government of India)
- Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles
Last reviewed: August 2026. Cultural traditions in India vary by community, district, occasion and generation. The notes below are representative examples reviewed against government sources, not exhaustive or official definitions. Festival timings follow lunar or locally announced calendars — verify current dates with the relevant state tourism department before travelling.