Cutting across religious lines, thousands of people attended the 'Chinj Fair' in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.
"People from all communities - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian - have gathered here. People from other states have also joined in. The spirit of friendship, brotherhood and harmony is tremendous. People here are united and irrespective of religion, no man can bear the pain of another," said Prem Sagar Azaiz, a local resident.
This festival takes place in the last week of June every year at Katheda and Dadoor villages. Artists, wrestlers and religious and social leaders participate in the event.
A highlight of the festival is a wrestling session, which sees participants from different states.
Many cultural programmes depicting the life and history of the region are held on the occasion.
The major attraction is the performance of Anjali dance in praise of Lord Shankar.
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Kathua is a Hindu-dominated region in a Muslim-majority state. A Sufi shrine nearby also attracts people who come to attend Chinj.
The festival, besides showcasing the cultural life of the people, also serves as a platform to promote unity and communal harmony among people.