Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction

Jammu and Kashmir is India's union territory which is administered by the government of India. It has 20 districts of which Srinagar is the capital from May to October and Jammu is also the capital from November to April. 

History

During the independence of India, the king of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to remain independent and separate but he had only two options either to come under India or Pakistan. On the other hand, Kashmiri Muslims from the Pakistan side started a revolt against Raja Hari Singh. Raja Hari Singh took the help of the Indian army and agreed to come under India.

Fairs and festivals

The fairs and festivals brighten the culture of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Jammu and Kashmir celebrate the tulip festival, Sindhu darshan festival, Baisakhi, Hemis festival, Gurez festival, Shikhara festival, Sri ram Navami, Lohri, Holi, Eid al Adha, and Eid ul fire.

Geography

It covers an area of 42,241Km². The notable river that flows through Kashmir is the Jhelum river, while other rivers that flow through Kashmir are Chenab, Tawi, and Ravi.

Demographics 

According to the 2011 census, the majority of Muslims are found in Jammu and Kashmir. There are 68.3% of the territory's population followed the Muslim religion, while 28.4% of the population followed Hinduism.

Culture

The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is diverse and the place is rich in cultural heritage. The traditional wear of men is a Pathani suit, pashmina shawls, Pheran, and women's traditional attire is Kasaba, Pheran, abaya, and Taranga.

Language

The official languages of Jammu and Kashmir are Kashmiri, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Dogri. Kashmiri is the most spoken language of the territory as 52% of the population's mother tongue is Kashmiri. The other most spoken language is Urdu, while the other languages are Purkhi, Punjabi, Bauti, Bhaderwahi, Siraji, etc. 

Tourism

In Jammu and Kashmir, there are several religious and historical sites, lakes, rivers, and Pir Panjal Range to explore. Its beauty persuades visitors. Jammu and Kashmir is also an adequate spot for rock climbing, camping, rafting, paragliding, trekking, and skiing.

Education

Jammu and Kashmir had a 67.17% literacy rate of which male and female literacy rate was 75% and 56.43%. There are several national education institutions such as IIM in Jammu, IIT in Jammu, NIFT in Srinagar, SKIMS in Srinagar, AIIMS in Vijaypur, and NIT in Srinagar.

Dances and music

Jammu and Kashmir have a fondness for music and dance. Their devotion to music and dance reflects their culture. The popular dances and music are Ladishah music, Chakri music, Bhand pather dance, Banderas dance, Ruf dance, hafiza dance, and bacha Nagma dance.

Cuisine

Jammu and Kashmir have unique cooking styles. They use diverse spices and flavors in their dishes. Jammu is famous for Dogra dishes such as Kashmiri aloo, amble, Khatta meat, Auraiya, Phirni, Kashmiri pulao, dum aloo, dal patt, maa da Madra, and Kulthi ki dal. Chocolate barfi, rajma, patisa, sund, and panjeeri are popular in Jammu. Kashmiri cuisine is famous for its rice along with meat. Some popular dishes are Wazwan, mujh gaad, Tabak maaz, shab deg, aab gosht, and much more.