The Shikara Race Festival 2025 promises to be a breathtaking celebration of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and the timeless beauty of Dal Lake. This annual spectacle, held in Srinagar, brings together skilled boatmen who race their elegantly crafted shikaras—traditional wooden boats—across the shimmering waters, creating a mesmerizing blend of tradition and thrill.
More than just a competition, the festival is a tribute to Kashmir’s centuries-old relationship with its iconic waterways. Visitors can expect an immersive cultural experience featuring folk performances, local handicrafts, and authentic Kashmiri cuisine. With the stunning Himalayas as a backdrop, the Shikara Race Festival 2025 invites travelers to witness the perfect mix of adventure, artistry, and local pride.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a culture enthusiast, this festival offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Kashmir—where every paddle stroke tells a story. Mark your calendar for this unmissable event and experience the magic of Dal Lake like never before!
Date of Shikara Race 2025
The Shikara Festival, which includes the Shikara race, is typically held in July every year on Dal Lake. However, the exact date for 2025 has not been officially announced yet.
Main Attractions of Shikara Race
1. Shikara Boats
Each year during spring-summer, the Shikara festival is celebrated with full vigor and joy in Srinagar, Kashmir. The important and perhaps the most exciting part of this festival is the Shikara race. Shikara means long light-paddling boats. Several colourful Shikaras are brought out during the festival and local men & women along with tourists take part in this adventurous sport. Moreover, while you’re in the boat, mesmerizing Sufi music is played in all the boats.
2. Floating Shops
After you’re done with the light-hearted competitive Shikara Race, you can go for buying souvenirs. There are several floating shops that can sell you all sorts of amazing things ranging from gulkand ice cream to flavored saffron. You can also eat spice-infused barbequed lamb, chicken, and fish. The aroma and taste is something you won’t experience anywhere else.
3. Houseboat Stay
Many people who come to see the Shikara Race end up staying in the houseboats which they describe as nothing less than magical. You’ll be pampered with luxurious services and gastronomical delicacies in addition to Kashmiri tea and Kahwa. Visitors swear by the wondrous star gazing at night.
4. Sunset and Sunrise Views
One of the most breathtaking experiences during the Shikara Festival is witnessing the sunrise and sunset over Dal Lake. The golden hues reflecting on the water create a magical ambiance, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
5. Cultural Performances
Traditional Kashmiri folk dances and music performances are a major attraction during the festival. Artists dressed in colorful Kashmiri attire perform Rouf and Hafiza dances, while musicians play soulful Sufi and folk tunes, adding to the festive spirit.
6. Birdwatching and Nature Walks
Dal Lake and its surrounding areas are home to various migratory birds and lush landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can take Shikara rides to the quieter parts of the lake, where they can spot kingfishers, herons, and other exotic birds.
7. Local Handicrafts and Artistry
Visitors can explore local Kashmiri handicrafts, including papier-mâché artifacts, handwoven carpets, walnut wood carvings, and embroidered Pashmina shawls. These unique art pieces showcase the craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans.
8. Mughal Gardens Tour
While attending the festival, tourists can also visit the famous Mughal Gardens such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, which are known for their beautifully landscaped terraces, fountains, and breathtaking floral displays.
How to Reach Srinagar
Srinagar is a serene and beautiful city that is on just about every traveller’s wish list. From pure natural beauty to modern-day events & festivals, like the Shikara race, there is just everything here to experience and explore. The city is located at a distance of 816, 2,986, 2,186, 2,328 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata respectively. Here are three main modes of transport you can take to witness the Shikara Race.
By Air
Srinagar has its own airport - Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport or simply, Srinagar Airport. It is owned by Indian Air Force. There are easily-available taxi and cab services outside the airport.
- Delhi - Board Air India, IndiGo, AirAsia, Vistara, Spicejet flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.7,000
- Mumbai - Board Air India, Air Asia, Go Air, Spicejet from Mumbai Airport. The airfares start from Rs.8,000
- Kolkata - Board Spicejet, Air India, Go Air flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.10,000
- Chennai - Board Spicejet, Air India, IndiGo from Madurai airport. The airfares start from Rs.11,000
By Train
One of the cheapest ways to reach Srinagar is via a rail network. Srinagar has its own railway station, called Srinagar railway station or Nowgam railway station. However, there are no direct trains from Srinagar to any major city. But there exist direct trains from a nearby Jammu railway station - Jammu Tawi. From there on, you can take State Transport Bus that goes to Srinagar.
- Delhi - Board Jammu Rajdhani from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Jammu Tawi Station
- Mumbai - Board Swaraj Express from BANDRA TERMINUS and deboard at the Jammu Tawi Station
- Chennai - Board Andaman Express from MGR CHENNAI CTL and deboard at the Jammu Tawi Station
- Kolkata - Board Jammu Tawi Exp from KOLKATA Station and deboard at the Jammu Tawi Station
By Road
If you’re a Jammu and Kashmir resident or live nearby, then you can very well take the bus route to attend Shikara Race. Here is highway information from various places.
- Leh - 807 km via Leh Manali Hwy
- Dalhousie - 382 km via NH44
- Chamba - 418 km via NH44
- Mysuru - 91 km via NH501 and Srinagar - Kanyakumari Hwy
Conclusion
The Shikara Festival, with its thrilling boat races, showcases the unique culture and natural beauty of Srinagar. It's an event that brings life to Dal Lake, drawing crowds eager to see the spectacle and participate in the festivities. For anyone visiting Srinagar, experiencing the Shikara Race is a must to fully appreciate the vibrancy and tradition of this beautiful city. The festival not only entertains but also connects people to the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Plan your trip with Adotrip today. Enjoy a wealth of information, end-to-end travel assistance and BOOK Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.
With Adotrip, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shikara Race 2025
Q1: When and where will the Shikara Race Festival 2025 take place?
A1: The Shikara Race Festival 2025 will be held on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. While the exact dates are yet to be officially announced, it typically takes place during the summer months, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Q2: What is the significance of the Shikara Race Festival?
A2: The festival celebrates Kashmir’s cultural heritage and the iconic shikara boats that have been a part of local life for centuries. It showcases the skills of boatmen, promotes tourism, and offers visitors a chance to experience the traditions, crafts, and natural beauty of the region.
Q3: Can tourists participate in the Shikara Race?
A3: The main races are reserved for local boatmen with specialized skills, but many organizers offer friendly races or shikara rides for tourists to experience the excitement and charm of the festival.
Q4: What activities can visitors enjoy besides the race?
A4: Alongside the thrilling races, visitors can enjoy cultural performances, explore local handicrafts, savor traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and take in the picturesque views of Dal Lake and the surrounding Himalayas.
Q5: How can I reach Srinagar to attend the festival?
A5: Srinagar is accessible by air, road, and rail. The Srinagar International Airport connects to major Indian cities, while well-maintained highways provide scenic road access. Visitors can also travel via Jammu Tawi Railway Station and proceed to Srinagar by road.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner.
