The Gaddis
The Gaddis, a semi-nomadic tribe, are the sheep and goats rearers of Kangra and Chamba districts. The Gaddis are transhumant people. According to the most commonly
held view the term ‘Gaddi’ derives its name from the Mount Kailash which is the seat or throne (Gaddi) of Lord Shiva and the people who found asylum and settled in Bharmaur (in district Chamba), the territory of Lord Shiva’s gaddi, came to be called as the Gaddis.
The Gaddis have been notified as a scheduled tribe in Himachal Pradesh. These shepherds migrate to plains and valleys areas in winters and to higher reaches in summers in order to avail green pastures. There are specific rules about the movement of the Gaddis. For instance, they should not halt with their flocks for longer than one night at any single halting place in any forest in which they have no rights of grazing.
Gaddi tribe is known for its unique culture with respect to their costumes and dresses, food habits, rituals and festivals, etc. Of late, due to migration of the better of families to the plains or valleys in Kangra district and the consequent higher education and economic empowerment, their traditional life styles have undergone a see change for the betterment of the tribe.
The Gujjars
The Gujjars is another nomadic tribe of the Kangra district. While the Hindu Gujjars have permanently settled, their Muslim counterparts are still sticking to nomadic pastoralism. They are found in Dehra, Nurpur and areas adjoining the plains (Kandi areas). The muslim gujjars are deeply attached to their tribal customs, rites and rituals.
These nomads climb up the hills during summers and return to the plains in winters.The economy of these Gujjars is mainly dependent on the animal husbandry and forests. Most of them are landless and their economic status depends upon the number of buffaloes one possesses. Illiteracy has been found to be the major cause of their backwardness.
The Gaddis, a semi-nomadic tribe, are the sheep and goats rearers of Kangra and Chamba districts. The Gaddis are transhumant people. According to the most commonly
held view the term ‘Gaddi’ derives its name from the Mount Kailash which is the seat or throne (Gaddi) of Lord Shiva and the people who found asylum and settled in Bharmaur (in district Chamba), the territory of Lord Shiva’s gaddi, came to be called as the Gaddis.
Pic : A Gaddi With his Sheep
Gaddi tribe is known for its unique culture with respect to their costumes and dresses, food habits, rituals and festivals, etc. Of late, due to migration of the better of families to the plains or valleys in Kangra district and the consequent higher education and economic empowerment, their traditional life styles have undergone a see change for the betterment of the tribe.
The Gujjars
The Gujjars is another nomadic tribe of the Kangra district. While the Hindu Gujjars have permanently settled, their Muslim counterparts are still sticking to nomadic pastoralism. They are found in Dehra, Nurpur and areas adjoining the plains (Kandi areas). The muslim gujjars are deeply attached to their tribal customs, rites and rituals.
Pic: Residence of Gujjars
These nomads climb up the hills during summers and return to the plains in winters.The economy of these Gujjars is mainly dependent on the animal husbandry and forests. Most of them are landless and their economic status depends upon the number of buffaloes one possesses. Illiteracy has been found to be the major cause of their backwardness.
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