Jammu has the distinction of having multifaceted, variegated and unique cultural blend, making it distinct from the rest of the country, not only from the different cultural forms and heritage, but from geographical, demographically, ethical, social entities, forming a distinct spectrum of diversity and diversions into Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, all professing diverse religion, language and culture, but continuously intermingling, making it vibrant specimens of Indian Unity amidst diversity. Its different cultural forms like art and architecture, fair and festivals, rites and rituals, seer and sagas, language and mountains, embedded in ageless period of history, speak volumes of unity and diversity with unparalleled cultural cohesion and cultural service.
People:
Jammu is not only beautiful because of its breathtaking natural beauty but also the warmth and love of the people in Jammu makes it beautiful. Amongst the diverse races in Jammu, the Dogras are one of the significant people.Besides Dogras the Brahmins are also there who are mainly engaged in agriculture. The Chibbalis and the Sudans are also one of the Muslim martial races. Other races of people are also there.
Languages: Urdu, Hindi, Dogri.
Cuisines:
Cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir is nothing less than a treasure for the food lovers. The cuisine here is absolutely different from the cuisine of north India. In fact, every region has its own specialty. One thing you will never remember about your meal are the number of dishes you had as you will be served with endless amount of courses. The use of spices in every dish is also highly intriguing.
In J&K, the one thing that everyone has almost every second day is non-vegetarian food. The grand feast, the 36-course meal that is called Wazwan, has around 30 non-veg dishes. The main item that is served is rista (meatballs). In fried variety, you will find seekh kababs, tabak maz which are fried till the time they get a very crunchy and crispy texture. Other famous and mouth watering non veg dishes that are served in the Wazwan are Roganjosh, Yakhni and Gushtaba.
Although you will not find many vegetarian dishes here, but few that are there are exquisitely delicious. The most famous veg dish of all is Dum Aloo (steam cooked potato curry) and Chaman (cheese) that have made a mark not only in J&K but in entire country. Fireen is the name of special sweet dish that will keep your taste buds happy till the time you remember this dish. You can also enjoy the local snacks like Sheermal and baqerkhani, tsot and tsochvoru are different form of Kashmiri breads. All this only adds to the already vast range of delicacies in the Jammu and Kashmir cuisine.
Festivals:
Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir prove to be the real reflection of the state to the outside world. The state perfectly epitomizes the phrase 'unity in diversity'. The fairs and festivals of the state bring out the colorful way of living that prevails in the state and the brotherhood that is there among different communities. Every festival here is celebrated by people of all religion together which is a welcome to see in a world torn apart by wars and rifts. The celebration and enthusiasm that permeates the Jammu atmosphere during these festivals is something that can be felt nowhere else on earth.
Jhiri Mela:
An annual fair is held in the name of Baba Jitu, a simple and honest farmer who preferred to kill himself rather than submit to the unjust demands of the local landlord to part with his crop. He killed himself in the village of Jhiri, Jammu. 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.
Prumandal Mela:
On Shivratri the Pramundal town wears a festive look for three days as people celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati. The people of Jammu also come out in their colourful best to celebrate Shivratri at Peer Khoh Cave Temple, the Ranbireshwar Temple and the Panjbhaktar Temple. In fact, if one visits Jammu during Shivratri, one finds a celebration going on almost everywhere.
Chaitre Chaudash:
Chaitre Chaudash is celebrated at Uttar Behni and Purmandal, about 25 km and 28 from Jammu respectively. Uttar Behni gets its name from the fact that the Devak river (locally also known as Gupt Ganga) flows here in the northerly direction.
Rest Baisakhi and Lohri are also celebrated in Jammu with great enthusiasm.