Festivals and Celebrations of Azad Kashmir – Faith, Unity and Joy

A Land of Faith and Festivity

Nestled among the lush valleys of the Himalayas, Azad Kashmir is not only known for its breathtaking beauty but also for its vibrant cultural and religious life. Throughout the year, Kashmiris celebrate a wide range of festivals that reflect deep faith, compassion, and togetherness.

Each occasion — whether joyful like Eid, or spiritual like Shab e Qadr — carries within it centuries of devotion and tradition. These celebrations bring families, neighbours, and entire communities together, reminding everyone that life’s greatest blessings are found in unity and gratitude.

“Our festivals are not just events,” says Abdul Basit, Trustee of Kashmir Welfare Foundation. “They are reminders of who we are — a people grounded in faith, generosity and love for one another.”

Eid ul Fitr – The Festival of Breaking the Fast

No celebration marks the joy of faith like Eid ul Fitr, known across Kashmir as Meethi Eid (Sweet Eid). It signals the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual purification.

Morning Prayers and Family Joy

As dawn breaks, families dress in their finest clothes and gather for Namaz-e-Eid, performed in mosques, courtyards, and open grounds. The call to prayer echoes through the valleys, uniting hearts in gratitude to Allah ﷻ for the strength to complete Ramadan.

After the prayer, people embrace one another, exchanging greetings of Eid Mubarak and offering Eidi (money gifts) to children. Homes fill with laughter and the aroma of festive dishes like sheer khurma, kebab, and kashmiri chai.

A Time of Charity and Compassion

Eid ul Fitr is also a day of generosity. Families pay Zakat-ul-Fitr, ensuring that everyone, regardless of wealth, can enjoy the joy of Eid. Streets and markets overflow with colour, sweets and happiness — a true reflection of Kashmir’s warmth and unity.

Eid ul Adha – The Festival of Sacrifice

Known as Bakra Eid, Eid ul Adha commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

The Spirit of Sacrifice

In Azad Kashmir, this festival begins with Eid Namaz, followed by the ritual sacrifice (Qurbani) of animals such as goats, cows or sheep. The meat is shared among family, neighbours and the poor, symbolising compassion and equality.

Families prepare traditional dishes like mutton pulao, seekh kebabs, and rogan josh, welcoming guests and ensuring that no one goes hungry.

However, because of the high levels of poverty in Azad Kashmir, Eid al-Adha is not what it once was. Many families struggle to afford a Qurbani, and some cannot even manage a proper meal. Tens of thousands go without meat on the very day meant to celebrate sharing and sacrifice. This stands in sharp contrast to life in the West, where many spend hundreds on meat each Eid to enjoy the finest dishes money can buy.

Reflection and Gratitude

Eid ul Adha is not only about the act of sacrifice but about reflecting on submission to Allah and sharing one’s blessings. It brings Kashmiris together in prayer, humility, and love.

“When we distribute meat to those in need, we are reminded that true faith means service,” explains Parveen Kausar, KWF Cultural Development Coordinator.

Shab e Qadr – The Night of Power

Among the holiest nights in Islam, Shab e Qadr — The Night of Power — is observed during the final ten nights of Ramadan. It marks the revelation of the first verses of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

In Azad Kashmir, mosques glow with soft lights as believers spend the night in worship, reciting Qur’an, making dua, and seeking forgiveness. Families stay awake, praying for mercy and guidance.

The valley falls silent under the night sky — a silence filled with remembrance, reflection, and peace.

Shab e Baraat – The Night of Forgiveness

Halfway through the Islamic month of Sha’ban, Kashmiris observe Shab e Baraat, a night believed to be filled with Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

Acts of Remembrance and Reflection

People visit graveyards to pray for their departed loved ones and ask forgiveness for themselves. Homes glow with lamps, and children distribute sweets in their neighbourhoods.

The night is spent reciting Qur’an, offering nafl prayers, and reflecting on life’s purpose. It is both a personal and communal renewal — a chance to reconnect with Allah and with one another.

Isra wal Miraj – The Night Journey and Ascension

Isra wal Miraj is one of the most spiritually profound nights in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Mecca to Jerusalem, and his ascension to the heavens.

Kashmiris mark this event by attending special gatherings in mosques, where imams recount the story and its lessons.

The night becomes a moment of deep reflection: a reminder of the Prophet’s steadfastness and the mercy that flows from faith. In towns like Muzaffarabad and Kotli, homes and mosques are adorned with lanterns, symbolising divine light guiding the faithful.

Eid Milad un Nabi – Celebrating the Birth of the Prophet ﷺ

The Day of Love and Light

Eid Milad un Nabi, or Mawlid, celebrates the blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In Azad Kashmir, this day is marked with reverence, gratitude and devotion.

Mosques, homes and streets are beautifully decorated with green banners and fairy lights. Processions move through towns with chants of Ya Nabi Salam Alaika, while gatherings feature poetry (na’at), sermons and collective recitation of Qur’an.

Acts of charity — distributing food, helping the poor, visiting the sick — are performed in honour of the Prophet’s compassion.

“Milad reminds us to live by the Prophet’s example — kindness, patience, and truth,” says Zafer Iqbal, Trustee of KWF.

Urs of Sufi Saints – Honouring the Spiritual Guides

Azad Kashmir is home to many revered Sufi saints whose teachings continue to shape its spiritual life. Their shrines — in places like Rawalakot, Chikar, and Hattian Bala — become centres of peace and prayer during the annual Urs (death anniversary) celebrations.

Thousands gather to offer fatiha, listen to devotional poetry (qawwali), and share meals in the spirit of unity. For many, visiting these shrines is not merely tradition but a renewal of spiritual connection.

The Urs serves as a bridge between generations — reminding Kashmiris of their enduring link to faith, love, and community service.

Festivals of Culture and Nature

Beyond the religious calendar, Azad Kashmir also celebrates cultural and seasonal festivals. Spring festivals, local harvest fairs, and community gatherings feature traditional food, Rouf dance, and folk songs performed to the beats of the dhol.

These events are vital to preserving identity and strengthening community spirit, particularly among youth who are encouraged to reconnect with their heritage through art, music and storytelling.

Support the Preservation of Kashmiri Heritage

At Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we believe that preserving culture is an act of faith. Our initiatives support communities in celebrating, recording and passing down the traditions that give Azad Kashmir its soul.

Your support helps us:

• Fund local cultural festivals and youth heritage programmes
• Support mosque and community event organisers
• Provide educational materials about Islamic and cultural traditions
• Promote peaceful unity and shared values through media and outreach

👉 Donate Now to Preserve Cultural Heritage

🌿 Add Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost.

Together, we can ensure that every prayer, every Eid gathering, and every spiritual night continues to echo through the valleys of Kashmir.

The Spirit of Togetherness

The festivals and celebrations of Azad Kashmir are a living reflection of its faith and beauty. From the joy of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha to the quiet devotion of Shab e Qadr and Shab e Baraat, each moment reminds Kashmiris of their connection to Allah and to one another.

These traditions are not just about ritual — they are about belonging. They strengthen family bonds, inspire compassion, and remind us to be thankful for every blessing.

“When Kashmir celebrates, it prays,” says Abdul Basit. “And when it prays, it finds peace.”

Related Articles You May Like