Pamote

Description

Introduction to the village

Pamote is a small and peaceful village located in Katra Tehsil, Block Panthal, Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir. The village lies in the hilly region, surrounded by natural beauty, greenery, and a calm environment. People in Pamote mainly depend on agriculture, small businesses, and daily wage work for their livelihood. The culture of the village reflects the traditions of Jammu & Kashmir, with festivals, local fairs, and community gatherings playing an important role in social life.

The village is connected to nearby towns and Katra (famous for Vaishno Devi shrine) by local roads, though infrastructure is still developing. Education and healthcare facilities are improving, with schools and health centers gradually becoming accessible.

Pamote is known for its close-knit community, traditional lifestyle, and natural surroundings, which make it an important part of the Reasi district’s rural heritage.

Population

As per the 2011 Census, the population was 1,271 — with 670 males and 601 females .

By 2025, the estimated population is around 1,428 — approximately 744 males and 684 females .

Urbanization

Pamote is entirely rural, with no urban population at all — both in 2011 and up to the projections .

Cultural heritage of community

Pamote has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the traditions of Jammu & Kashmir. The community celebrates festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, Diwali, Eid, and local fairs with joy and unity. Folk songs, dances, and traditional food are an important part of their lifestyle. People follow age-old customs in marriages, religious functions, and community gatherings, which strengthen social bonds.

The village community values togetherness, respect for elders, and helping each other, which keeps their cultural roots alive. Though modern facilities are slowly reaching the village, the people of Pamote still preserve their traditional dress, language, and rural practices, making their culture unique.

Historical Account

Pamote village in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir has a history linked with the cultural and social traditions of the region. Being close to Katra, the base of the famous Vaishno Devi shrine, the area has long been influenced by pilgrimage routes and trade paths. The village developed as a small settlement of farming families, who depended on agriculture, livestock, and forest resources. Over time, Pamote has preserved its traditional lifestyle, folk practices, and community bonds, while gradually adopting modern education and facilities.

Principal attractions

Pamote is mainly known for its natural beauty, green hills, and peaceful environment. The village offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and fields. Its closeness to Katra and the Vaishno Devi shrine also makes it special, as many pilgrims pass through nearby areas. Local festivals, traditional fairs, and cultural gatherings are also attractive featuresof the community.

Natural beauty – Pamote is surrounded by green hills, fields, and a calm rural environment.

Cultural life – Local festivals, fairs, and folk traditions are celebrated with unity and joy.

Proximity to Vaishno Devi – The famous shrine in Katra is nearby, making the area spiritually significant.

Nearby tourist attractions (Reasi district)

Bhimgarh Fort (Reasi Fort): A historic fort offering scenic views and heritage value.

Siar Baba Waterfall: A beautiful natural waterfall, a popular picnic spot near Reasi.

Shiv Khori Cave Temple: A holy cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, visited by many pilgrims.

Salal Dam: A major hydroelectric project and scenic spot on the Chenab River.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Pamote is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers (April to June) can be warm, while the rainy season (July to September) makes the area fresh and green but sometimes difficult to travel due to bad road conditions. Winter months are comfortable for sightseeing and also the best for visiting nearby places like Vaishno Devi, Bhimgarh Fort, and Siar Baba waterfall.

Seasonal festivities

People in Pamote celebrate festivals according to the seasons. In winter, they celebrate Lohri with bonfires, songs, and food. In spring, Baisakhi is marked with joy, dancing, and prayers for a good harvest. During summer and autumn, people celebrate Janmashtami, Diwali, Eid, and local fairs, which bring the community together. These seasonal festivities keep traditions alive and strengthen the bond among villagers.

Local cuisine

The local cuisine of Pamote reflects the traditional food of Jammu & Kashmir. People commonly eat rice, maize, and wheat-based dishes along with vegetables and pulses grown locally. Popular foods include Rajma-Chawal (kidney beans with rice), Makke di Roti with Sarson da Saag, and simple homemade curries. During festivals and special occasions, dishes like Kaladi (local cheese preparation) and sweet rice are enjoyed. Tea, especially Kahwa and Noon Chai (salted tea), is also a regular part of daily life.

Village lifestyle and values

The lifestyle in Pamote is simple, peaceful, and closely connected to nature. Most people depend on farming, cattle rearing, and small daily work. Houses are traditional, and life moves at a slower pace compared to cities.

The community strongly values togetherness, respect for elders, honesty, and helping each other. Festivals, family functions, and community gatherings are celebrated with unity. Even with modern changes, villagers try to preserve their traditional customs and moral values.

Economic activities

The economy of Pamote is mainly agriculture-based. Villagers grow rice, maize, vegetables, and pulses for their own use and for sale. Livestock rearing, including cows, goats, and poultry, is another important source of income. Some people earn through small businesses, daily wage work, or jobs in nearby towns like Katra. Seasonal tourism related to Vaishno Devi pilgrimage also provides additional earning opportunities for locals.

Occupations and Innovations

1) Occupations

Most people work in farming, growing crops like rice, maize, and vegetables.

Livestock rearing (cows, goats, poultry) provides income and dairy products.

Some villagers earn through small shops, daily wage work, or jobs in nearby towns like Katra.

Tourism-related work during the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage season also contributes to earnings.

2) Innovations

Farmers are slowly adopting modern farming methods like improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation techniques.

Use of mobile phones and internet helps in marketing crops and staying informed.

Some households are experimenting with small-scale food processing or dairy products for extra income.

Flora

Pamote is surrounded by green hills and farmland. Common plants include maize, rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruit trees like mango, guava, and citrus. The nearby forests have oak, pine, and medicinal plants, adding to the natural beauty.

Fauna

The village and surrounding areas are home to domestic animals like cows, goats, and poultry. Wild animals such as monkeys, rabbits, peacocks, and various birds can be found in the hills and forests. Seasonal migration of birds adds to the biodiversity of the region.