BHADERWAH 21 JAN:- Nestled deep in the middle Himalayan ranges, where snow-clad peaks watch silently over pine forests and mist floats gently across terraced slopes, the Bhaderwah valley about 200km from Jammu city, once again witnessed the timeless celebration of Kanchoth a festival where devotion, tradition and natural beauty merge into a single, unforgettable experience in Jammu and Kashmir.
As dawn broke over the mountains, the valley slowly awakened to the soft sounds of temple bells and murmured prayers. Wrapped in the cool January air, women dressed in vibrant bridal attire walked along narrow mountain paths, their colourful garments standing out against the earthy tones of deodar forests and stone-lined villages. The sight itself felt like a living painting faith moving through nature’s grand canvas.
Kanchoth, observed on Gouri Tritiya, commemorates the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Bhaderwah, a land often described as the “Chhota Kashmir” of Jammu, the festival carries a deeper resonance. Shiva temples tucked into forest clearings and perched on hilltops become spiritual centres where devotion flows as naturally as the mountain streams nearby. Women offer prayers not only for marital well-being but also ofor harmony within families and peace in the valley.
The preparations for the festival mirror the care with which locals live alongside nature. Homes built of wood and stone are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are prepared, and kitchens fill with the aroma of traditional meals. All Villages in Bhaderwah Constituency in including Nalthi scattered across rolling hills and steep ridges, come alive with warmth despite the winter chill.
One of the most touching aspects of Kanchoth is its collective spirit. Women gather in courtyards with mountain views stretching endlessly behind them, touch each other’s feet in a gesture of respect, and exchange blessings of “Suhagan Bho” a wish for a long and fulfilled married life. The fast observed on this day is broken after the Gouri puja, often while sunlight still dances over the snow-dusted peaks, making the moment both sacred and serene.
Beyond rituals, Kanchoth is a celebration of womanhood, resilience and continuity. In a region where life has always been shaped by the mountains their isolation, their beauty and their challenges festivals like Kanchoth act as cultural anchors. They bind generations together, ensuring that traditions remain as enduring as the mountains themselves.
As evening shadows stretch across the valley and the cold deepens, the prayers fade but the spirit lingers. In Bhaderwah, where rivers carve stories into rock and faith rises as naturally as the hills, Kanchoth is more than a festival. It is a reminder that beauty lies not only in the landscape, but in the traditions that continue to bloom within it.
Report : Mansoor Qadir.
