OVERVIEW
Jammu and Kashmir is a north Indian state and also abode to the world famous Himalayan Mountains. It is the only state in the country, which has the biggest Muslim population. The state is composed of three major regions, such as Jammu, Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley. The state operates with two capital cities, such as Jammu and Srinagar. Jammu is the winter capital of the state, whereas Srinagar is its summer capital. Urdu is the official language of Jammu and Kashmir, but other languages, such as Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Ladakhi, and Punjabi are also spoken here.
Jammu & Kashmir is the crowned jewel of India, based at the highest point of the country, with the extravagant beauty of Himalayas. RajTaringini, the chronology of Kashmir Kings, mentions Kashmir as beautiful as Goddess Parvati manifest and its owner is Lord Shiva. Jammu & Kashmir is believed to be paradise on earth, and presents the distinction of multifaceted, unique and variegated cultural blend.
The Jammu area is renowned for its numerous shrines, which attracts many people, particularly Hindu pilgrims, from all parts of the world. Ladakh is popularly referred to as the Little Tibet, and it is famous for its Buddhist culture and remote mountain attractiveness. The Kashmir valley is celebrated for its gorgeous hilly landscape. The state is an abode to quite a lot of Himalayan glaciers among which the Siachen Glacier is the longest one.
Jammu & Kashmir’s economy majorly depends upon agriculture and animal husbandry. Most of the people in the state are dependent upon agriculture. Tourism was an excellent way for economic income source, but due to intermittent curfews and backlashes in the valley, it has hit the Kashmiri economy. But still, the precarious beauty of this state draws many across the world.
Kashmiris are very passionate about their cuisines. Meat is the staple food, so it is included in most dishes. Nahari is a popular breakfast dish, that is made from stew of trotters and tongue, seasoned with sandalwood, cassia buds, cardamom and dried rose petals.
Kashmiri lifestyle, though marked by differing religious beliefs, is slow paced yet, surprisingly, hand-in-hand with the modern world, due to outstretched tourism.
