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The Culture of Jammu and Kashmir is rich as is the heritage of the state. There is a wealth of ancient language, literature, art, craft and music in the state.
The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is a unique blend of the Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim cultures. The mask dance which is performed in the Hemis monastery in Ladakh represents the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of the victory of good over evil. Hafiza dance is a popular dance form that is perfomed during weddings.
Bacha Nagma is another popular dance form in Kashmir which is performed during harvest season by the young boys. Ruf and Wuegi-Nachan are popular folk dances of the state. Dogri and Roul are the folk dances that are performed by the women. The most popular Kashmiri folk music is Rabab. Popular folk instruments are sitar, dukra and nagara.
The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without the world famous crafts that are found in the state. The famous crafts of the state are silk carpets, woven carpets, rugs, hand embroidered kurtas, woolen shawls and pottery. The shawl and the phirans are a part of the traditional wardrobe. These are embroidered intricately by the local artisans in vibrant colors and hues.
Cotton is the preferable fabric for summers whereas heavy woolens are worn during the winter days. The traditional dresses of the women are usually hand embroidered with motifs in colorful threads. Those who love shopping ethnic products can find it in abundance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Culture of Jammu and Kashmir is also reflected in the pilgrimages of the state that are places of worship for the Muslims, Hindus and the Buddhists. Hazrat Bagh mosque and the dargahs are the Muslim pilgrimage centers where as there are many Buddhist monasteries Ladakh.
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