Jammu and Kashmir:

Culture:
The culture of Kashmir refers to the culture and traditions of Kashmir, a region in northern India (consisting
of Jammu and Kashmir), northeast Pakistan (consisting of Azad Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan) and the Chinese
territory of Aksai Chin.
The culture of Kashmir is a diverse blend and highly influenced by northern South Asian as well as Central
Asian culture. Along with its scenic beauty, Kashmir is famous for its cultural heritage; it amalgamates Muslim,
Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies and has involved composite culture based on the values of humanism
and tolerance. Jammu's Dogra culture and tradition is very different from the Kashmiri culture. The Dogra
culture is instead much similar to that of neighbouring Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Language:
The most important part of the cultural identity of the Kashmiri people is the Kashmiri(Koshur) language. This
language is spoken only in the Valley of Kashmir by the Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims. Besides
language, the Kashmiri cuisine and culture has been greatly influenced by Central Asian and Persian cultures
for both communities.
Dance:
Cultural music and dance like Wanvun, Rouf, carpet/shawl weaving and Koshur Sufiana forms a very important
part of kashmiri identity. It is important to note that Kashmiri culture is predominantly only in the Valley of
Kashmir. The other regions of the Larger J&K state, such as Jammu and Ladakh are very different from
Kashmir.
The Dumhal is a famous dance in the Kashmir valley, performed by men of the Wattal region. The women
perform the Rouff, another traditional folk dance.
Food:
The food of Jammu and Kashmir differs from region to region with the Hindus Dogras of Jammu being
predominantly vegetarian; eating a staple diet of rice, wheat and beans. The Ladakhis eat rice, wheat, millet,
locally produced vegetables and fruits, goat meat and dairy products made from yak milk. Kashmiri food is
characterised by its vast array of dishes cooked over a long period of time in exotic spices. The seasons and
availability of fresh produce dictates the ingredients, some of which are dried and used in the winter months.
The Kashmiri cuisine is essentially meat-based, while the eating habits of the Hindu and Muslim Kashmiris
differ in its use of certain spices and the prohibition of beef for the Hindus.
Festivals:
Baisakhi
This festival is celebrated every year on 13th of April.
Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha
Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are the two most prominent Muslim festivals that are celebrated in the state of
Jammu and Kashmir.
Lohri
Lohri also known as Makar Shankranti is an important Hindu Festival.
Hemis Festival
Hemis Festival is celebrated in Ladakh and is a Buddhist festival.
Urs
The Urs also known as Ziarats is a typical Kashmiri Muslim Festival.
Dussehra
The festival of Dusshera is celebrated extravagantly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Diwali
Jammu thrives with Hindus whose main festival of the year is Diwali.
Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is a temple of Vaishno Mata who is a form of Maa Durga.
EDUCATION:
In 1970, the state government of Jammu and Kashmir established its own education board and university.
Education in the state is divided into primary, middle, high secondary, college and university level. Jammu and
Kashmir follows the 10+2 pattern for education of children. This is handled by Jammu and Kashmir State Board
of School Education (abbreviated as JKBOSE). Private and public schools are recognised by the board to
impart education to students.
Lumbering:
Collective term for harvested wood, whether cut into logs, heavy timbers, or members used in
light-frame construction. Lumber is classified as hardwood or softwood (see WOOD). The term often
refers specifically to the products derived from logs in a sawmill. Conversion of logs to sawed lumber
involves debarking, sawing into boards or slabs, resawing into thinner boards of varying sizes, edging,
crosscutting to square the ends and remove defects, grading according to strength and appearance,
and drying in the open air or in kilns. Drying below the fiber-saturation point results in shrinkage and
generally greater strength, stiffness, and density and better prepares the wood for finishing.
Preservatives are often applied to protect the wood from deterioration and decay.