Jammu and Kashmir is located at the backdrop of the Himalayan Mountain Range and has a lot of politically and historically significant places on its borders. While China is located towards its north and east, the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are located towards its south.  It is separated from the neighbouring country of Pakistan by the Line of Control which is always in a politically boiling state. Some parts of the state, like Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are occupied by the Pakistan Government and these parts are located on the other side of the Line of Control.

Srinagar is the summer capital of the state, whereas Jammu is the winter capital. Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh are the three most important geographical areas of the state. This is one of the most beautiful states in the country and is known as “paradise on earth” because of its natural extravaganza in the form of snow-clad peaks, placid lakes and streams, steep valleys, pleasant climate, important religious places of worship and many such lovely tourist spots.

Tourism Sector

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a variety of shrines that attract all religions to the state. The most famous Hindu temples in the state are the Vaishno Devi Shrine and the Amarnath caves. Tourists from all over the globe come to these temples that are located on top of hills that are quite complex to reach. These two places contribute immensely in the form of revenue to the tourism ministry of the state every year. While the Amarnath caves are open to the public only during winters, the Vaishno Devi Shrine is open all through the year.

The state also houses Gulmarg, one of the most famous skiing resorts of the Asian continent. Due to the heavy snow fall this place receives during winter, skiing is enjoyed here by tourists who come here from different places. More than a million tourists come to Gulmarg every year during winters, thereby creating a huge source of income for the tourism department. Ladakh is known as “Little Tibet” due to the large number of Buddhist population and Buddhist monasteries here. The place exudes a sense of tranquillity which attracts tourists from many parts of the world to come here for meditation and relaxation purposes.

Culture of the State

Upon visiting the area of Ladakh, tourists will be introduced to some authentic Buddhist culture in terms of food, monasteries, handicraft, lifestyle, dressing sense, festivals celebrated etc.  The Kashmir Valley, on the other hand, is a storehouse of folk culture.  The men and women of this area are specialists in the folk dances like Dumhal and Rouff respectively.  Tourists will be thrilled to find small houseboats made of wood for staying in this area. These houseboats have all the facilities and are constructed on the placid lakes, to give the tourists a heavenly experience.  A visit to Kashmir is never complete without tasting the local tea, Kawa. This green tea contains the local flavours of almond and spices tastes divine. The Dogra culture is another important flavour of Jammu & Kashmir. This is heavily inspired by the cultures of the neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

About the People

Around 70% of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are Muslims. This is the highest when compared to other states of India. Hinduism is the next commonly followed religion. Sikhism is next in line in terms of most followed religions. Urdu is the language with the official status in this state. Hindi, Kashmir, Pahari and Punjabi are the other common languages spoken by the people here.

In Jammu region, around 70% of the population are Hindus. Sikhism and Islam are the next in line, in terms of mostly followed religions. Dogri is the official language in this part of the state, as it is the most-commonly spoken language. A minority section of the people of this area follows Buddhism.

In the Kashmir Valley region, around two thirds of the population are Muslims. Kashmiri and Urdu are spoken equally by these Muslims. In Ladakh, most of the people follow Buddhism and the area is dominated by the presence of many Buddhist monasteries. Ladakhi, a language spoken on the borders of Tibet and Burma, is the most commonly spoken language here.

Occupation

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Rice is the main crop that is cultivated here. September is usually the harvest season. During summer, the farmers of the state cultivate crops like millet, pulses, corn, peas, lentils, beans, cotton and tobacco whereas during spring, they cultivate crops like wheat and barley. Jammu & Kashmir is also one of the leading producers of fruits in the country, because its soil is very fertile and compatible for cultivating fruits like apples, peaches, pears, cherries and nuts like almonds and walnuts. The Kashmir valley is the only area in the country that produces saffron. Most of the farmers are involved in sericulture as well as an additional source of income.