Jammu and Kashmir is a culturally rich region with a diverse population that celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir:

1. Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant Muslim festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Muslims gather for special prayers in mosques, exchange greetings, and share festive meals with family and friends.
2. Eid-ul-Adha: Also known as Bakra Eid or the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims offer prayers and sacrifice animals, distributing the meat among family, friends, and the needy.
3. Navratri and Durga Puja: Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jammu and Kashmir. People observe fasts, perform traditional dances (like Raas-Dandiya), and participate in religious processions. The festival culminates with Durga Puja, when the goddess Durga is worshipped and idols are immersed in rivers or water bodies.
4. Baisakhi: Baisakhi is a harvest festival celebrated in April. It holds significance for both Sikhs and Hindus. Sikhs celebrate it as the formation day of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh community) and commemorate the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. Hindus celebrate Baisakhi as the New Year and offer prayers in temples.
5. Lohri: Lohri is a festival celebrated with much fervor in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the region of Punjab. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. Bonfires are lit, and people sing and dance around them, offering prayers and distributing sweets and nuts.
6. Shivratri: Shivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds significant importance for the Hindu community. Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer prayers, and observe fasting. The famous Amarnath Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, takes place during this time.
7. Hemis Festival: Hemis Festival is a major Buddhist festival celebrated at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival includes masked dances, music performances, and religious ceremonies.
8. Tulip Festival: The Tulip Festival takes place in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, showcasing the blooming of thousands of colorful tulip flowers. It attracts tourists from around the world and features cultural programs, music, and traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

These are just a few examples of the festivals celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. The region’s cultural diversity gives rise to a wide range of religious and cultural festivities throughout the year, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.