GADDI - TRIBE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
*Caution – Long Read*
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The Gaddi is a generic term used for all the indigenous population of the Bharmour area of Chamba Dist.
Bharmour is not only known for its scenic beauty but
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also for Gaddi tribe who are a semi-agriculture tribe & own large flocks of sheep & goats as the main source of wealth. They are better shepherds than farmers & one of the largest tribes of Himachal Pradesh.
Known for their simplicity & hard work, they keep to themselves.
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They are a pure Hindu Tribe with Aryan features who are very firm with their faiths and beliefs, particularly for Lord Shiva.
Dhudu (धुड़ू) – the appellation of Shiva as they like to call.
धुड़ू played a distinct social role in the lives of Gaddis.
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Shiva was personalised into the beliefs & life of these pastoralists like nowhere else in South Asia. The existence of each without the other was not conceivable. One of the very famous folk songs "धुड़ू नचेया जटा जो खलारी ओ" depicts the relationship of Dhudu with his chelas
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Costumes - MEN
1. Chola - worn as an upper garment made of white coloured ‘patti’ of soft & thin wood tied around the waist by a cord called ‘Dora'. It remains loose above the waist & can be used to carry the essentials like food, small lambs.A Gaddi can carry up to 50Kgs load