Gaddi people

The Gaddi people are a tribal community primarily found in the Indian Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Traditionally, they are pastoral farmers and shepherds, raising sheep, goats, and cattle. They have a rich cultural heritage, with distinctive customs, festivals, and attire. Historically semi-nomadic, Gaddi communities often migrate seasonally with their livestock. They speak Gaddi, a dialect of Western Pahari, and maintain their own social traditions. Their livelihoods are closely tied to the rugged Himalayan environment, and they play a vital role in the local ecology and culture of the region.