Bahu Mela

One of the biggest Hindu festivals held in Jammu, the Bahu Mela is a grand celebration held in the Bahu Fort in Jammu. The fair is filled with fun, frolic and jubilance, with lights decorating the whole place, brightening up the entire atmosphere. One can witness the grand traditions of the people of Jammu, from the way they are dressed to folk dances to the delicious food present throughout this festival.

This fair is a great opportunity to witness the zeal with which festivities are welcomed in Jammu. Locals and tourists don their most colourful costumes, and many residents exchange gifts as a sign of love and affection to one another, Flowers and garlands are abundantly offered to honour the great Goddess Kali. Local vendors set up stalls where might find products like accessories, pottery, handicrafts, garments, utensils, sweets and other fascinating items of interest. Food stalls displaying the mouth-watering cuisine of the state are ever-present, satisfying every participant's tastebud.

Located 5 km from the main city, the 3000-year old Bahu fort acts as a major place of worship to Goddess Kali, a powerful Hindu deity. The fort is situated on a large mountain that faces the beautiful river Tawi. Worshippers of Goddess Kali consider her the personification of darkness and pray to rid themselves of maleficence and worry. Thus the festival goers find a new sense of enthusiasm and vibrancy during this festival after carrying out their prayers, dancing and singing their troubles away. This festival is celebrated twice a year, once during March-April, and again in September-October. Along with the festivities and celebrations, one may also partake in the viewing of the Bahu Temple, a sacred dip in the Tawi river, and joy rides around the fair.