Holidays are the perfect time to travel to well-known tourist destinations that we often see in movies and on television through the news. Who does not like change in daily routine and wants to have leisure time in picturesque and enchanting Jammu and Kashmir? Surrounded by mountain peaks and cradled in the lofty green Himalayas, this place is also called heaven on earth! If you are planning to visit Jammu and Kashmir soon to enjoy the scenic beauty and have an enriching vacation experience, this is the right article for you. Let us understand about the Jammu Kashmir holidays through this page -
This article will be covering the following points -
- About Jammu Kashmir
- Jammu Kashmir Holidays
- Jammu Kashmir Holiday Calendar 2022
- How can Deskera Assist you?
About Jammu Kashmir
Jammu Kashmir became India's union territory (UT) on 31 October 2019. It is located in the northern part of the country and is considered to be a global tourist destination. Apart from being a popular tourist hotspot and recreational tourism, the place is also renowned for pilgrimage, spiritual and health tourism.
Because of the natural beauty and delightful locations, this union territory is thronged by tourists across the world. While Jammu is famous for temples, Kashmir is famous for its lakes and gardens. It is also in news for Muslim festivals like Eid in Kashmir is a sensational topic for many broadcasters.
The climatic conditions in Jammu Kashmir vary across the regions according to the altitudes. It is possible to reach this union territory with any one of the medium of transport - road, railways and air. It is the only union territory which has its capital as Jammu in winter and Srinagar in summer.
The state has a literacy rate of 67.16 per cent. As the region is located near the northern border of the country, it has a unique demographics. Muslims being the majority population in this area, Eid in Kashmir is a special festival for this community. Hindus are considered to be a minority in this place.
The most widely spoken and used language in this union territory is Kashmiri. According to information, it is administered under the provisions of Article 239 of the Constitution of India. It is under the Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India.
The people of Kashmir vary in their cultural, and linguistic ethnic composition across the union territory. As a majority of the population belongs to Islam, Eid in Kashmir can be touted as one of the biggest festivals in the region. The other minorities in this place are Buddhists and Sikhs.
This union territory is home to a rare Kashmir stag, markhor - a large goat and black and brown bears in wild animals. It is possible to see many species of game birds that including migratory ducks in this region.
The union territory is rich in people from diverse communities and has a long list of holidays. Let us understand the different Jammu Kashmir holidays which will assist you to plan your holiday trip to this spectacular union territory for a mesmerizing life experience.
Jammu Kashmir Holidays
Each union territory has its list of predefined holidays. The following image shows the holidays observed in Jammu Kashmir in the year 2022. While the Hindu holidays have been marked officially, as per the photo the Muslim holidays are determined in this region on the basis of the appearance of the moon. Let us understand these Jammu Kashmir holidays in more detail in the next section of this article -
Source: https://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2022/india-jammu-kashmir.htm
Jammu Kashmir Holiday Calendar 2022
The Jammu Kashmir holidays according to month are as follows -
January 2022
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s B’day 9th Jan
The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is celebrated as Guru Gobind Jayanti. He was the only son of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Mata Gujri. This Guru is famous for forming the Sikh community named Khalsa, and for the introduction of the five K’s, namely - Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kachera (a hundred per cent cotton tieable undergarment) and kirpan (an iron dagger to defend oneself)
Lohri (Jammu province only)- 13th Jan
It is also famous as Makar Sakranti in other parts of India but is popular as Lohri in Jammu Kashmir. This festival marks the onset of spring in this region and gives it an auspicious festive look. Many people in Jammu are known to take a dip in the holy rivers. All houses and temples in Jammu are enlightened with ‘Havan Yagnas’. According to the cultural traditions and customs of this region, the boys will go around their locality to ask for gifts from the new parents and newlyweds. Apart from this, a special dance is known as ‘chajja’ is also done in this festival where boys use coloured paper and flowers in the dancing procession. A pulsating atmosphere with the in-sync drum beats makes this festival one of the most loved festivals in the region.
Republic Day - 26th Jan
This is a national public holiday in all of India. It is celebrated to observe the day on which the Constitution of India came into effect from the year 1950. The Indian tricolour is hoisted in schools, colleges and various other institutions on this date. Each year, this day is marked with a spectacular display of the Indian Army and a cultural extravaganza about the different states in New Delhi with the parade. It is done on Rajpath in New Delhi
February 2022
Guru Ravi Das’s Birthday (Jammu Province only) - 16th Feb
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu calendar and is considered the most important day by the followers of the Ravidassia religion. Followers usually observe this day by reading the Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji, changing the Nishaan Sahib and carrying out Nagar Kirtans.
March 2022
Mahashivratri - 1st March
It is considered to be one of the most important Hindu festivals. It celebrates the convergence of Goddess Shakti with the ultimate Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and even destruction on this day. The followers usually observe an all-night vigil and offer prayers to the lord during this festival.
Shab-i-Miraj -1st March
It is considered to be the night when Prophet Muhammad ascended to the highest levels of the heavens. This festival is celebrated with great fervour and devotion to date.
Friday following this is an observed holiday in Kashmir province only - 4th March
Holi (Jammu Province only) - 18th March
Holi is carried out in this region by following religious traditions. It means Holika Dahan on the first day and splashing of dry colours, water and much more on the next day. This festival is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir.
Nauroz - 21st March
It means a new day and relates to the Persian language. This day is celebrated to mark the first day of the Iranian New year and is also referred to as Persian New Year. It is considered to be a holy day for Zoroastrians.
April 2022
1st Navratra - 2nd April
The most awaited and auspicious festival of the year, Chaitra Navratri starts on this date. Devotees offer prayers to the different forms of goddesses in this festival of nine days and worship her with full devotion.
Ramnavami - 10th April
The birth of Lord Ram is celebrated with great pomp and zeal across India. Lord Ram is considered to be an ideal individual whose different stages of life are considered to be important lessons for humans to date.
Baisakhi - 14th April
It is the harvest festival of the Hindu-Sikh community and is an important festival in North India. It is also considered in the Jammu Kashmir holidays
B’day of Dr B.R. Ambedkar - 14th April
On the birth anniversary of Doctor B.R. Ambedkar, this is considered to be a countrywide annual festival in India to commemorate the memory of the man who is considered to be the architect of the nation’s constitution.
Jumat-ul-Vida: 29th April
This festival signifies the wishes of the Holy Quran. It is celebrated by the Islamic community to mark the final Friday of the month of Ramadan.
Shab-i-Qadr: 29th April
This night is considered to be the auspicious and sacred night in the month of Ramadan by the Muslim community. It is believed that prayers made on this night come true.
Mela Bahu Fort (Jammu Distt. only)
People in Jammu worship the Goddess Kali and this is considered to be one of the biggest festivals of the Union territory. The carnival during this festival enlightens the atmosphere of the region and usually happens during Ramnavami. The goddess is said to cure all the problems of humans and hence, many devotees throng this place to have an end to all their issues.
Good Friday
It is a Christian festival that commemorates the crucifixion of Saint Jesus and his death on the cross at Cavalry. It is observed as a part of the Holy Week.
Mahavir Jayanti (Jammu Distt. only)
This festival is observed mainly by the Jain community in the region and celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.
May 2022
Eid-ul-Fitr: 3rd May
Eid in Kashmir is celebrated by following all the traditional customs of the Muslim community. This festival is an important festival for the Islam religion as it marks the end of the holy Ramadan and breaks the fast of the community after a month.
Parshuram Jayanti (Jammu province only, restricted holiday)
It is also known as Akshay Tritiya in other parts of India and is celebrated as it marks the birth of Lord Parshuram who is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he would be the martial guru for the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Kalki. Moreover, Lord Parshuram is said to be immortal and still exists on the Earth and hence is not worshipped.
Buddha Purnima - 16th May
This day has a special significance for Buddhists across the world and is observed on a full moon day in the month of Vaishakh by the Buddhist community. It is believed that Lord Buddha was born on this day, and attained his enlightenment on this day by gaining supreme knowledge. Also, it marks the day of his nirvana when the lord breathed his last at Kushinagar. As it marks the three important incidents of Lord Buddha’s life, it is an important festival for Buddhists in the world.
June 2022
Martyr’s Day of Guru Arjun Dev Ji (Restricted Holiday)
This is a regional gazetted holiday and is observed on the 24th day of the Jeth month according to the Hindu calendar by the Punjabi community. This holiday commemorates the first Sikh martyr killed in 1606.
Mela Khir Bhawani (Kashmir province only) - 8th June
The Kashmiri Pandits celebrate it on the Ashmati of Jeth month as per the Hindu calendar at Mata Kheerbhawani Temple in Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Ragna Devi and is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for Kashmiri Hindus in the province. The pilgrims are known to pour the kheer or milk pudding to the goddess inside the temple complex.
Guru Hargobind Ji’s B’day - 15th June
Also called Parkash Guru, this is considered to be a regional public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. It is believed that he had the longest rule among the living gurus which lasted for nearly 38 years.
Kabir Jayanti (Jammu Province only, Restricted Holiday)
This yearly event marks the birth anniversary of Saint Kabir who is a renowned poet, social reformer and saint of the 15th Century. It is celebrated by people of all classes across the world. The saint is famous for his poems that resonate with the immensity of the Supreme Being.
July 2022
The July Jammu Kashmir holidays include
Urs Shah-i-Hamdan Sahib (only in Kashmir) - 6th July
Eid-ul-Azha (Feast of Sacrifice) - 10th July
Eid-ul-Azha Holiday - 11th July
This Eid in Kashmir is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. It is another important festival in Islam. This is celebrated as the greater Eid as it signifies the completion of the annual Haj pilgrimage. It is a festival that specifies the Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. However, at the time of sacrifice, he got replaced with a ram. The command from Allah SWT was just a test to see Ibrahim’s openness to accept the willingness and commitment without any question.
August 2022
Independence Day: - 15th August
It is celebrated annually to mark the nation’s independence from British colonialism after more than 200 years. The tricolour is hoisted at various places across the country and this day is observed as a national holiday in all the states of the nation. There is a parade in the capital, New Delhi and many cultural programs across the country to salute the spirit of freedom fighters and brave soldiers.
Janamashtami: - 19th August
One of the Jammu Kashmir holidays is the day to celebrate the birth of the Lord. This is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. This festival has a great significance in Mathura and Vrindavan. Devotees are also known to keep a fast on this day.
Ashoora: - 19th August
Raksha Bandhan: - 22nd August
This festival is about the bonding between brothers and sisters and is a famous Hindu annual ceremony. On this day, the sisters tie a talisman on their brothers' wrists, a symbol meant for protecting them. The brothers are known to gift them in return along with a promise of providing potential care throughout their life.
September 2022
Kailash Yatra:
This is a spiritual journey which takes a person on the surreal Kailash yatra. It is believed that doing a parikrama or circumambulation of this mountain can lead to reincarnation and purification of the souls
October 2022
The October Jammu Kashmir holidays include
Mahatma Gandhi Birthday: 2nd October
This is an event celebrated across India to mark the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is observed as a national holiday. On this day, Bapu, as he was fondly called gets tributes and prayer services from various places in the nation.
Urs Sheik Noor-ud-Din Sahib (Kashmir province only)
Mahanavami: 4th October
It is the ninth day of the Navratri festival. Goddess Durga is worshipped in all forms. According to the mythological stories, Goddess Durga battled with the demon Mahishasur for nine days. On this day, in North India, Kanya puja is done where nine young virgin girls are worshipped according to the 9 forms of Goddess Durga. The girls are offered new clothes, worshipped with incense sticks and mantras, and even given gifts as a token of respect and love.
Dussehra: 5th October
This is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated in India. It is celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur, and Lord Ram’s victory over the demon -king Ravan. It also marks the freedom of his lord’s wife, Sita from the demon’s clutches. This festival symbolizes good over evil and is celebrated with great fervour across the nation.
Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi:8th October
One more Eid in Kashmir celebration is of Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi. This is considered an annual celebration for the Muslim and marks the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar which is known to start after the sighting of the moon. This festival also celebrates the life of the Prophet, his teachings, sufferings and even his character as he forgave his enemies.
Friday following Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi: 14th October
Diwali: 24th November:
A major festival of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, it is popularly called the festival of lights. It is considered to be the most important holiday of the year. The festival is divided into five days namely Dhanteras - which marks the cleaning of the house, office or other space. The second day is known as Naraka Chaturdashi. The third one is called the Lakshmi Puja which marks the darkest night of the traditional month. On the next day, it is Govardhan Puja and Balipratipada or Padwa. The last day of Diwali is known as Bhai dooj which is dedicated to the bond between brother and sister.
November 2022
Guru Nanak Dev’s Birthday: 8th November
It is observed every year as the birth anniversary of the Sikh Founder who is also known as Prakash Utsav or Guru Purab. He is considered to be the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and hence, this is an important festival in the Sikh community. He is known for his connection with God and his teachings never encouraged sacrifices. According to available information, all his teachings were compiled in a book known as Guru Granth Sahib.
Apart from this one, there are no specific Jammu Kashmir holidays in the November month in this year in this state.
December 2022
Christmas Day 25th December
This is an annual festival which is observed across the world as it marks the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and is primarily observed on the same date. Jesus is considered to be a spiritual leader amongst Christians and his teachings are known to be the base of their religion.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji Birthday: 29th December
The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is celebrated as Guru Gobind Jayanti. He was the only son of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Mata Gujri. This Guru is famous for forming the Sikh community named Khalsa, and for the introduction of the five K’s, namely - Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kachera (a hundred per cent cotton tieable undergarment) and kirpan (an iron dagger to defend oneself)
How can Deskera Assist you?
Employees planning to visit the union territory of Jammu Kashmir can plan their trip with the information given above. They might require a few extra leaves depending on what parts of the region they want to visit on their trip. It means the employers need to be very particular while managing their payroll for that month. The business owner can take the assistance of payroll software to ease out the calculations related to paystub for the employees.
Deskera helps to do this just at the touch of a few clicks. Deskera People assists the use of technology to automate and reduce manual errors in HR processes such as hiring, payroll, leave management, employee attendance, expenses and much more. With our user-friendly software, the employer can simplify payroll management and generate payslips for the employees within a fraction of a few minutes.
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