Religion, Art, literature and music

Religion:

The region of Jammu and Kashmir is most holy and sacred for Hindu people as it has many famous temples.
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine: This is the most pious and famous of Hindu religious places. Situated atop Shivalik Mountains, it is around 16 km uphill walk through steep mountain peaks. Situated inside a cave is the Sanctum Sanctorum Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, incarnation of Mata Parvati; the supreme all powerful Goddess.
Amarnath Cave: Situated at a significant distance from Pahalgam....deep through rocky mountains and treacherous passes lies the Sanctum Sanctorum shrine of Lord Shiva (The Creator, Preserver and Destroyer) of all Living and non-living Objects/things. During the Month of March/April around rakshabanndhan time, one can witness the miraculous Formation of Shiv Linga at Amrnath Temple...on one particular day, a small rivulet/stream of water solidifies into Ice..perfecting into White Shiv Linga.

Raghunath Temple: Situated at Raghnuath Bazaar (Jammu), one can witness master-piece Hindu Temple building architecture. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple was constructed by the Local Dogra Kings of Jammu region.

Dogra Pahari Paintings:

The earliest paintings in PAHARI style originated in Basohli. The first mention of Basohli paintings is in the annual report of the Archaeological Survey of India for the year 1918-19 published in 1921. Subsequently, This style spread to the Hill States of Mankot, Nurpur, Kulu, Mandi, Suket, Bilaspur, Nalagarh, Chamba, Guler and Kangra.It was in 1675, when Pahari School came into being. According to Karl Khandalwala, Raja Kripal Pal of Basholi was first to patronize artists regularly. Raja Sansar Chand, Raja Balwant Singh and other Pahari rulers, further nurtured generations of proficient artists in their courts.Immortalised by its artistic eminences and their connoisseur patterns, Basohli today is a metaphor for a vigorous, bold and imaginative artistic style, rich, stylish and unconventional.

Dogri folk literature comprises (a) Prose forms short stories, proverbs and riddles; (b) Verse from classified as under:1. Ballads:- (a) Baran, (b) Kaarkan, (c) Love ballads, (d) Devotional, (e) those of women saints.2. Lyrics:- They are vast and varied and difficult to mention e.g. love lyrics, ceremonial lyrics, dance lyrics etc.Dogri folk songs too range from love to heroism and sacrifice. Ceremonial lyrics give analysis of human reaction to ceremonies. 'Biayian' are sung to celebrate the birth of male child, indicating gender bias. Family lyrics pertain to household members such as mother, father, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law and their relationships.