JAMMU

Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the picturesque river Tawi flowing alongside, stands the land that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered in the 9th century BC. The city of Jammu is popularly known as the 'City of Temples' . Innumerable temples and shrines with glittering 'Shikars', soar into the sky, like caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truely holy city. Jammu offers the widest diversity of terrain and beauty. The entire region is pocketed with lakes and valleys.

General Information

Altitude :305 meters
Area :20.36 sq.km
Temperature :Between 20 to 40 deg in summer and between 4 to 20 deg in winters
Languages : Dogri, Hindi, Kashmiri, English
Clothing : Light clothes in summer, heavy woollens in winter
Best Season : September to March

Fairs and Festivals

Lohri
Also known as Makar Sankranti. On this day the whole city wears a festive look. Thousands take a dip in the holy river. 'Havan Yagnas' light up nearly every house and temple in Jammu. A special dance called the ' chajja' dance is held on the occasion of Lohri. It makes a striking picture to see boys along with their 'chajjas' elaborately decorated with coloured paper and flowers move on the street in a dancing procession. The whole atmosphere comes alive with the pulsating drum beats.

Baisakhi
The first day of the month of 'Baishakh' is celebrated as Baisakhi. It is also known as the Harvest Festival. Rivers, canals and ponds are thronged by devotees who unfailingly take a ritual dip every year. Numerous fairs are organized and people come in thousands to celebrate the beginning of the new year.

Purmandal Mela
Purmandal is located about 39 kms from Jammu. On Shivratri, the town is transformed for three days as people celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva to goddess Parvati here. The people of Jammu come out in their colourful best to celebrate Shivratri at Peer Khoh, the Ranbireshwar Temple and Panjbhaktar Temple.

Bahu Mela
A major festival is held at the Kali Temple in Bahu Fort twice a year.

Jhiri Mela
Held in the name of Baba Jitu who was a simple God fearing honest man who killed himself rather than submitting himself to the unjust demands of the local landlord. A legend has grown around the Baba and his followers congregate at Jhiri on the appointed day from every corner of North India; they revere him for his compassion, courage and honesty and hold an annual fair in his name.

Mansar Food & Craft Mela
This mela is organised by The J & K Tourism department during Baisakhi. Held at the Mansar Lake 60 kms from Jammu it is a three-day celebration of the local crafts and cuisine, where people from adjoining states also take part.