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C U L T U R EINDIAN DIASPORA

The majority of them can be spotted at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.Here is the culture they follow:

Gaddis generally resides in Mandi, Kangra and Bilaspur district.

GADDIS IS ONE AMONG THE VARIOUS TRIBES IN HI-MACHAL PRADESH LIKE KINNERS OR KINNAURE, LAHULES, SPITIANS, PANGWALAS AND GUJJARS.

SIGNFICANCE OFGADDI TRIBE CULTUREGADDI TRIBE CULTURE

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CULTUREAmong the Gaddis tribal society, there are several castes namely Khatri, Brahmin, Dhangar, Rajput, Thakur & Rana. The people here are usually oriented towards religion and even spiritualism.

Gaddis tribal community follows both Hindu and Islam religions customs. Worshipping Shiva, the people over there, celebrate Shivratri festival grandly.

Grand is not just a word, but they redefined it with powerful dances to the tune of drums. More the drum beat, more would be the speed

of the dance. ‘Comma’ for the Gaddis celebrations is a dream and ‘full stop’ is out of the question.

The 25 yards long strand that is tied to their wrist, worn by both men and women, serves as the symbol of the Tribe, which is the key factor of any Gaddi tribe.

LIFESTYLEThe Gaddi Tribal men wear Chola, Turban or Safa and Dora. While a Gaddi women care identified with Launchiri. Gaddis attire is what, that attracts as the first thing in them. Especially the women wear, utmost colorful dresses. A thick scarf on their head will be decorative and brings a glow to their faces and also it is used as a protection. A black slash on their back, is used to carry their little children. Coming to the ornaments, the Gaddi women prefer semi precious stones, little mirrors in their necklace and peacock feather and they even wear gold earrings. In fact, these earrings are even worn by the men in the community.

OCCUPATIONAmong the various occupational activities they do, Gaddis mostly prefers shepherding. By rearing and selling sheep, goats, mules and horses, they earn their livelihood.

Other than these, there are even farmers, weavers and tinkers and in fact, the Gaddi people are even indulged into crushing of millets and carrying of loads to make a living.

CHILD MARRIAGES AND POLYGAMY

FESTIVALS

LANGUAGE

Gaddis has performed child marriages and polygamy in those days, but as days passed, they started reforming themselves by killing all those traditions. Most of the Gaddi tribe is non-vegetarian and even consume goat milk.

BAISHAKHI: Baisakhi or ‘Bisu’ is celebrated on the 1st of month of mid April. Celebrating the occasion, Gaddis take cakes and wheat flour in large number.

SAIR: “Sair” is celebrated on 1st of September month. Along with the meat, even a homemade beer called ‘Sur’ and items prepared with the wheat flour are taken with the variety of vegetables. The arrival of festival is generally believed to be the end of rainy season. Visiting relatives places, especially the married daughters visiting the parents house is a custom of Gaddis.

PATRORU SAGRAND: The August or September month welcomes “Patroru Sagrand” that is celebrated by Gaddi Tribe. On this day ̀ Kachalu leaves’ rolled with `Besan’ (gram dal flour) are fried in oil and consumed by the Gaddis.

LOHRI: “Lohri” is also celebrated by Gaddi Tribes. `Khichari’ of rice and Mashed Dal is eaten with Desi Ghee and curd on this day.

SHIVRATRI: A well known festival of most of the Indians is even followed by Gaddis. In fact, it is the favorite festival of the community. As known, Shivaratri is associated with Lord Shiva in the month of Phalgun (Feb-March). Some Gaddi Tribe keeps fast, which is a tradition.

As said, there would not be an end to the enjoyment of Gaddis. Most of their enjoyment can be spotted in the festivals they celebrate. Here is the list of those festivals they celebrate.

The Gaddi tribe mostly speaks the language called Gaddi, but actually uses Takri language in writing. But now the Devangiri script is in

vogue. Updating to the world, the Gaddi people have now managed to master the Hindi language too.

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE FESTIVALS, HOLI, DUSSEHRA AND JANAMASHTMI ARE ANYWAY CELEBRATED BY GADDI TRIBAL COMMUNITY TOO, ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE INDIANS.

C U L T U R EINDIAN DIASPORA

-Phanindra