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Old
Time Bazaars And Designer Boutiques
There are two charmingly contradictory aspects to the city of Jammu. And
one can see both when one is out shopping. For instance, in the crowded
streets of Raghunath Bazaar, among the age-old dry fruit shops, one'll
find oneself suddenly looking at designer boutiques that display the very
latest in fashion and fashion accessories.
Here, the main bazaars - Vir Marg, Raghunath Bazaar and Hari Market - are
famous for Kashmiri handicrafts, traditional Dogra jewellery and various
dry fruits, chiefly 'Akhrot' (walnuts).
Jammu is also known for the superlative quality of its Basmati 'rice',
'Rajma' (Red beans), 'Ampapar' (dried and candied mango peel), 'Anardana'
(dried pomegranate seeds) and 'Barfis' (milk sweets). FAIRS &
FESTIVALS Jammu celebrates many fair and festivals all round the
year. But there are few festivals, which are of particular importance to
the region. These festivals are celebrated with traditional fanfare and
joy. Among them is Lohri, which is celebrated every year on 13th
January. During this festival the whole Jammu region is decorated like a
bride and many programmes are organised. Almost every house has some kind
of religious ceremony or other.
Baisakhi is celebrated on 13th or 14th of April every year. This
festival marks the arrival of spring. It is also known as the harvest
festival and according to Hindi calendar, this festival marks the start of
Hindu New Year. This period is considered auspicious for marriages too.
There are dance performances and drums all over the place. Kirtans and
prayers accompanied by community kitchens that are organised in Gurudwaras
and temples.
Purmandal Mela is held at a place some 39-km from Jammu. This
festival is held to celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess
Parvati. People from all over the place come to celebrate Shivaratri. They
are in their colourful best. Special puja and worship ceremony is
organised in Peer Khoh, Ranbireshwar temple and Panjbhaktar temple. This
Purmandal Mela is celebrated for three days.
In a village 14-km from Jammu called Jhiri, a fair is organised every
year to revere the courage, compassion and honesty of Baba Jitu who laid
down his life instead of submitting to the oppressive landlord. This fair
is called the Jhiri Mela (fair) and is organised in
October-November.
Bahu Mela is organised twice in a year March-April and
September-October. It a major festival held at Kali Temple in Bahu Fort.
Chaitre Chaudash is organised in March -April. The venue is Uttar
Behni about 25-km from Jammu. Here Devak river or "Gupt Ganga"
flows in northerly direction.
Mansar Food and Craft Mela coincides with Baisakhi. The fair is
organised by the J&K tourism. And is held in the picturesque Mansar
lake which is 62-km from Jammu. People attend this festival from adjoining
states too.
| ENTERTAINMENT ARENAS Cinema :
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Swimming :
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Fishing: - River Tawi is famous for a variety of fish like Mahaseer, Cat Fish, Labio, Mahi, etc. Permits for fishing can be obtained from the Deputy director, fisheries department, Jammu.