What is the news:

The orders for the closure of the Wildlife Department are posing problems for Gaddi and Gujjar nomads, who along with their sheep and buffaloes migrate to higher hills while passing through wildlife sanctuaries with the onset of the summer.

Gujjar shepherds migrate from the border areas of Punjab and Himachal to higher hills in Kangra and Chamba districts. Gujjar families of Chamba migrate to border areas of Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts. They return home in Tissa, Salooni and Churah areas of Chamba district during the summer.

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Gaddi Tribe :

The Gaddi tribe resides around Dhauladhar region and Chamba , Bharmour of the state. The Gaddi people mainly resides on the bank of Ravi river and Budhil river. The Gaddi tribe is mainly originated from the migrants of plains that are fled from the plain region at the time of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb reign. The Gaddi tribe include all castes of Hindus like Brahmins, Thakurs,Khatri, Dhankar,Rajput and Ranas. So mainly the tribe is a Hindu tribe but some people also follow the Muslin religion. The main occupation of Gaddi tribe was Shephard and they used to move one place to another seasonally. But now they are residing in villages and agriculture, horticulture and jobs are also getting in profession of Gaddi tribe. So the tribe is nowhere a nomad now.The tribe is known for its peaceful nature. The dresses of the tribe are unique by nature, the men wears Chola and turban whereas the women mostly wears launcher. The tribels are very much fond of ornaments, both men and women are seen to wear gold earrings. The tribe is the followers of Lord Shiva and other then the local dialect like Gaddi, Takri, the main language is now Hindi.

Gujjar Tribe :

Gujjar tribe the tribe mainly established in western region of Himachal Pradesh,Chamba and Kangra. The tribe is been called the immigrants of the plains that run to Himachal because of the invasion of Hunas. The Gujjars were mainly a nomadic tribe that moves with their herds of cattle from one region to another. The tribe remains in plains in winter and in hills in summer. The cattle stock is the wealth of the tribe. But the modern tribals are changing their profession. They are in Govt. jobs and also have settled in villages for agriculture. The Gujjar tribe is mainly the follower of Hindu and Muslim religion. They have their own rich heritage culture. Beside the nationally celebrated festivals Gujjars have also their traditional fairs. The dresses are somewhere like Gaddies i.e. chola and turban, in women traditional stall is well known. Women are more interested in ornaments like necklace with pendent of stone.The language used by the tribe is mainly the Gojri that comes from the famous Rajasthani group of languages. Hindi is also getting poular among them now.

By: Shahid Ali