The capital of Kashmir, Srinagar is located amid the stunning Kashmir valley and is bordered by the river Jhelum. Aptly called the Paradise on Earth, it is set like a jeweled crown on the map of India. A many faceted diamond - always extravagantly beautiful, it changes character with the seasons, adding to the beauty of Srinagar.

The thawing of ice and the blossoming of flowers, mark the advent of spring, rending a heady fragrance, with the blossoming flowers on trees, shrubs and creepers. While summer heightens the effect, autumn is poignant, in its colors of warm introspection. Winter brings with it snow, sometimes the Dal Lake freezes and beneath a leaden sky, roasted chestnuts, turn the atmosphere aromatic with the promise of warmth and comfort

While the Dal Lake and the Mughal Gardens are popular haunts throughout the year, this crowded, colorful city, is unique because of its lakes - the Dal, Nagin and Anchar and the oldest and largest of mosques including the Hazratbal, a monument, which houses a holy relic of the prophet.

History :

According to a popular legend mentioned that in Rajtaringini of Kalhana, Kashmir valley was a vast lake. Kashyap Rishi drained out the water and made it habitable. It is said that originally Yakshas and the Pisacas tribes inhabited the valley, at the higher reaches and did not allow the inhabitants of the valley to live in peace.

King Ashok brought Buddhism to Kashmir, which was strengthened by Kanishka. In the 6th century Huns came to rule the valley, and Mihirkul, was one of their infamous Hun rulers. Sultan Sikander built Jamia Masjid in 1400, in the Indo-Saracenic style. Hieun-tsang the famous Chinese traveler visited Srinagar and has described it in his memoirs.

The latter kings established various capitals like Pravaerpora of Praversen, Prihaspora of Lalitaditya, Jayapidas Jayapora, Avantivarmans Avantipur and cities of Kanishkapura and Juskapura, now found only in ruins or history, but ultimately the city of Srinagar was destined to be the capital of the State.

The longest ruling dynasty of India, the Mughals, quite aptly called the valley a Paradise on Earth. After the colonization of India by the British, Srinagar became their summer capital in 1873.

Culture :

While Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian, where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished, it has also been the embracing point, of the advent of Islam, bringing into its fold, the finest traditions of Persian civilization, tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice. more....

Kashmir is rightly said to be Natures grand finale of beauty. In this masterpiece of earth's creation, seasons in strong individuality vie with one another, in putting up exquisite patterns of charm and loveliness.

Nature has left an indelible mark on the folk performances of Kashmir, as they are intimately interlined, with the moods and movements of the seasons.

Festivals :

The major festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show include :-

Id - ul - Fitr
Id - ul - Zuha,
Shivratri
Diwal