Details on Specific Tribes and Cultural Practices -

(Details on Specific Tribes and Cultural Practices)

This section provides detailed information on various tribes and specific cultural practices within Himachal Pradesh, formatted for easy understanding and exam relevance.

A. Tribal Cultures of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is home to a diverse array of tribal communities, each with its unique customs, traditions, religious beliefs, and social structures. These tribes, including the Gaddis, Pangwals, Kinnauras, Gujjars, Swanglas, Bodhs (or Bhots), and Khampas, contribute significantly to the rich cultural tapestry of the state.¹¹⁶ Their lifestyles are often intricately linked with the challenging Himalayan environment, leading to distinct socio-economic practices. Understanding these tribal cultures is crucial for competitive exams, which often feature questions on their demography, customs, festivals, deities, and art forms.

The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) has been instrumental in conducting research on various communities, including those in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on aspects like ethnic identities, inter-ethnic relationships, and cultural diversity.¹¹⁸ The Tribal Development Department of Himachal Pradesh also works towards the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Tribes, with Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) in areas like Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi, and Bharmour.¹²⁰

1. The Pangwal Tribe (Pangi Valley)

The Pangwal people are the primary inhabitants of the Pangi Valley in the Chamba district, a remote and geographically isolated region.¹²¹ This isolation has led to the development of a distinct cultural identity.¹²¹

Name: Pangwal Tribe
Photo/Icon: (Placeholder for Pangwal community image)
Short Description (2–3 lines): The Pangwals are the indigenous inhabitants of the Pangi Valley in Chamba. Known for their resilience in a harsh environment, they have unique customs, a distinct dialect (Pangwali), and primarily practice Hinduism, with some Buddhist influence from the Bhot community. ¹²¹
Map icon linking to location: Pangi Valley, Chamba District
Expandable section for:
- ➤ Socio-Cultural Aspects & Lifestyle:
  - Social Structure: Society is organized at family, clan, and village levels, with the eldest male holding a higher position. Intermarriage with the Bhot community occurs in some instances. ¹²¹
  - Livelihood: Traditional economy is based on subsistence agriculture (maize, barley, wheat, phullan, bres, kodra) and animal husbandry (sheep, goats, and the unique churu – a yak-cow hybrid). ¹²¹ Apple orchard plantation is a more recent income source. ¹²⁵ Many migrate to higher pastures (Adhwari or Got) with livestock during summer. ¹²⁵
  - Housing: Traditionally, family members and domestic animals live on the same storey (Gharan) during winter. ¹²¹
  - Languages: Pangwali is their primary dialect; Bhoti is also spoken, particularly by the Bhot community. ¹²²
  - Dress: Traditional attire adapted to the cold climate.
  - Food and Drink: Staple diet includes local grains. Paatar is a locally brewed liquor. ¹²²
  - Praja Mandal: A traditional community council system for resource management and dispute resolution, imposing penalties for offenses like illegal tree cutting. ¹²³
- ➤ Religious Beliefs & Deities:
  - Primary Religion: Hinduism, with worship of numerous local devis and deotas, including Naag (snake god). ⁶⁰ Ancestor worship involves erecting pillars called Dhoj. They also pray to Grih devta (god of home) and Gothe (god of pastures). ¹²¹
  - Important Deities:
    - Mindhal Mata (Chamunda Devi): Temple in Mindhal village is considered the most sacred place in Pangi. Animal sacrifices are offered during fairs. ¹²⁵
    - Malasni Mata: Temple in Purthi village. ¹²⁵
    - Panch Nags of Sach village: Highly revered. ¹²⁵
    - Sidh Baba Temple: A place of reverence. ¹²⁵
    - Mata Balin Vasni: Temple in Kariyas village, worshipped throughout the valley. ¹²⁵
    - Sheetla Mata: Temple in Luj village. ¹²⁵
    - Deesh Naag: Village deity of Kupha, worshipped during Phool Jatra. ¹³⁰
    - Jerhiun Naag, Shakti Devi: Worshipped during Unoni fair. ¹³⁰
    - Singhbaan Devta: Worshipped in Punto village during Sarjaat for protection of cattle. ¹³⁰
    - Millabhani Devi and Shiva: Worshipped during Chajgi festival. ¹³⁰
    - Kali Devi: Worshipped during Baar festival. ¹³⁰
  - Belief in Spirits & Magic: Strong belief in supernatural forces, including good and bad spirits (Alho, Mishann, Banasht), witches, ancestral wrath, and the evil eye, as causes of illness and misfortune. ¹²⁶
    - Black Magic (Khyacharam): Belief in black magic practiced by Khyachar (female) or Khyacharu (male) practitioners. ¹²⁶
    - Folk Healers (Baid): Traditional healers who cure ailments caused by spirits using rituals like Dhoonni-deoni, Pataha Chakhn, Bannah Kanna, Pani Shonanu, Hath-thana, Feru chhanane, and Baiey Bharani. ¹²⁶
    - Foretellers (Shashtar Chhanna): Consulted when Baids cannot identify the cause of illness. ¹²⁶
    - Oracles (Chela): Deities speak through oracles during rituals like Chheera-kahan. ¹²⁶
- ➤ Festivals & Fairs:
  - Jukaru (Zukaru/Silh/Phagudi): Most important religious-cum-cultural festival, celebrated for about a month starting in the first week of February. Marks the end of severe winter and beginning of sowing season. Involves merry-making, drinking, singing, dancing (Ghurei dance by women on rooftops), and worship of King Bali. ¹³⁰ The new moon following Cheijigi festival is called ‘silh’. ¹³²
  - Phool Jatra (Phuliyatar/Puliyatar): Popular fair in Kartika (Oct-Nov) in Kupha village, lasting four days. Marks the last Jatra before winter. Involves free mixing, Sain dance, stalls, and Puja to Deesh Naag. Declared a district-level fair. ¹³⁰
  - Dikhrain (Dhekan/Dekhen): Celebrated in Savan (July) in Huddan Bhatori. Connected to a devil named Tunta Rakshas. Men and women dance together. ¹³⁰
  - Unoni (Unouni): Held in Chaitra (Mar-Apr) for three days in Sural, Luj, Karyuni, Kariyas. Deities like Jerhiun Naag, Sheetla Devi, Shakti Devi, Malasni Mata, Baleen Basani worshipped. ¹³⁰
  - Miglyath (Mindhalyath): One-day fair in Bhadra (Aug-Sep) in Mindhal and Kutha villages. Devi worship. ¹²⁸
  - Iwaan (Ouyan): Celebrated in Magha (Jan-Feb) and Phalguna (Feb-Mar) for four days in Dharwas and Sural. Different days dedicated to Raja/Praja, Shiva, Naag Devta. Mime dance (Swang) performed during Uvan/Iwan. ¹³⁰
  - Lishoo (Lishu): Local name for Baisakhi, celebrated in Vaisakh (April). Temples reopen. Praja Mundle discusses issues. ¹³⁰
  - Cheijigi (Cheijgi): Celebrated on Puranmashi of Pausa (Dec-Jan). Involves carrying burning jagni (pine torches) for puja at temples (Millabhani Devi, Shiva). Throwing burning masharas at trees to predict childbirth. ¹³⁰
  - Sarjaat (Sharjaat): Celebrated in Mindhal (now Punto village) on Puranmashi in Asvina (Sep-Oct). Worship of Chamunda Devi/Singhbaan Devta. ¹²⁸
  - Sheel (Sael/Silh): Celebrated in Phalguna/Chaitra (Feb-Mar) on Amaavas, marking spring. Cleaning, cooking special dishes, worship of Lakshmi. Spinning suspended. ¹³⁰ (Note: Silh is also the name for the new moon day preceding Jukaru ¹³²)
  - Padid: Observed on the first lunar day after Amavasya, dedicated to honoring ancestors. Preceded by Jukaru (Sill) festival dedicated to Rajawali Devta. Involves exchange of Jevra flowers (prepared during Khahul ritual). ¹³⁵
  - Pareed: Two days after Sheel. Village deities worshipped. Spinning resumes. Water from holy stream Kailash used for milking cows. ¹³⁰
  - Punahie (Punehi): Five days after Pareed. Marks restart of agricultural activities. Symbolic ploughing. ¹³⁰
  - Shivratri: Celebrated in Phalguna (Feb-Mar). Fasting and puja to Lord Shiva. ¹³⁰
  - Sankrant: Lohars and Gawalays visit households, receive offerings. Village deity worshipped. ¹³⁰
  - Uttain: Celebrated in Pausa (Dec-Jan). Ancestor worship. Ritual involving sprinkling water on livestock. ¹³⁰
  - Baar: Last Tuesday of Pausa (Dec-Jan). Kali Devi worshipped. ¹³⁰
  - Tyane: Celebrated in August. ¹³⁵ (Specific rituals beyond birth-related ceremonies like Naam Sanskaar and Mundan, which are sometimes mentioned in general Pangwal ethnography ¹⁵⁴, are not detailed for Tyane festival itself in these snippets.)
  - Parvach: Celebrated in Bhadon. ¹³² (Specific rituals are not detailed in the snippets beyond birth-related ceremonies.)
  - Hishoo: Pangwal New Year’s Day. Celebrated with traditional dances. ¹³² (Specific rituals akin to other New Year festivals ¹⁶¹ are not detailed for Pangwal Hishoo.)
  - Miniach: An important festival. ¹³² (Often linked with Jukaru/Padid celebrations ¹³³, but specific rituals for Miniach itself are not clearly delineated as separate from these larger festival complexes.)
  - Pathroru: Festival of flowers, also known as Prithvi Pooja in Chamba, celebrated in Bhadon (mid-August). Girls dance. ¹³² (While generally a Chamba festival, its specific celebration by Pangwals in Pangi with unique flower rituals is not detailed beyond the general description.)
- ➤ Importance in Exams:
  - Knowledge of specific festival names, their timing (Hindu months/English months), duration, and primary deities worshipped.
  - Understanding the socio-religious significance of these festivals (e.g., harvest, new year, ancestor worship, warding off evil spirits, community bonding).
  - Unique rituals associated with each festival (e.g., Sain dance in Phool Jatra, Ghurei dance in Jukaru, use of jagni in Chajgi).
  - Syncretic elements, such as the Daikhan fair where Bhots and Pangwals participate together. ¹³⁰
  - The role of traditional healers (Baids) and oracles (Chelas) in the context of local beliefs and rituals. ¹²⁶
- ➤ Religious Syncretism in Pangi:
  - The Pangi Valley is inhabited by Pangwals (predominantly Hindu) and Bhots (predominantly Buddhist, of Tibetan origin, residing in higher reaches called bhatoris like Sural Bhatori, Hudan Bhatori). ¹²¹
  - While distinct religious practices exist (Pangwals worshipping Nag devtas and local deities, Bhots worshipping Buddha in Gompas), there is evidence of harmonious coexistence and cultural exchange. ¹²¹
  - Intermarriage between Bhots and Pangwals occurs in some cases. ¹²¹
  - The Daikhan fair in Hudan is explicitly mentioned as a “Bhot fair” in which Pangwals also participate, and a key characteristic is men and women dancing together. ¹³⁰ This is a concrete example of shared cultural space.
  - The worship of King Bali during the Jukaru festival by Pangwals is also noted to be practiced by people from Lahaul, indicating a shared regional belief. ¹³¹
  - General discussions on religious syncretism in Himachal Pradesh highlight the blending of local deities and traditions within broader Hindu and Buddhist frameworks, with village deities (gram devtas) often retaining pre-Hindu characteristics and local deities sometimes incorporated as protectors in Buddhist monasteries. ⁷⁵ While Pangi isn’t the primary focus of all these general syncretism snippets, the patterns described are relevant to understanding potential interactions in mixed population areas like Pangi.

2. The Gaddi Tribe (Mainly Chamba and Kangra)

The Gaddis are a semi-nomadic pastoral tribe primarily inhabiting the Dhauladhar range, particularly in the Bharmour region of Chamba district and parts of Kangra.¹⁷⁵ They are known for their distinct culture, traditional attire, and deep devotion to Lord Shiva.

Name: Gaddi Tribe
Photo/Icon: (Placeholder for Gaddi community image)
Short Description (2–3 lines): A semi-nomadic shepherd tribe of Himachal Pradesh, primarily found in Chamba (Bharmour) and Kangra. Devout Shaivites, they are known for their unique customs, traditional woolen attire, and seasonal migration with their flocks. ¹⁷⁵
Map icon linking to location: Bharmour (Chamba), Kangra District
Expandable section for:
- ➤ Socio-Cultural Aspects & Lifestyle:
  - Semi-Nomadic Pastoralism (Transhumance): Traditionally, Gaddis migrate seasonally with their sheep and goat herds (Dhan) to higher alpine pastures (dhoks or Hadwari) in summer and descend to lower hills or plains in winter. ¹⁷⁶ This lifestyle is adapting, with many now also engaged in agriculture and other occupations. ¹⁷⁷
  - Traditional Attire: Men are identified by a chola (long woolen coat) and dora (a long black woollen rope tied around the waist). Women wear luanchiri (a flared woolen skirt/gown), often with a dhatu or chadru (headscarf). Pointed caps (Chuhali topi) are also characteristic. ¹⁷⁵
  - Ornaments: Traditionally wear silver and gold jewelry; women wear heavy brass anklets, large earrings, and nose rings. ¹⁸³
  - Language: Speak the Gaddi dialect; historically used the Tankri script, now Devanagari. ¹⁷⁷
  - Food Habits: Staple food includes makki-ki-roti (maize bread), pulses like mah and rongi. They are mostly non-vegetarian (goat, sheep, chicken). Sur (home-made alcoholic beverage) is consumed on occasions. ¹⁸³
  - Social Structure: Patriarchal tribe. Marriage is typically monogamous; polyandry is not practiced. Polygamy is rare. ¹⁸³ Gotra exogamy is maintained. ¹⁸⁶
  - Marriage Customs:
    - Dan Pun: Most common form, signifying charity, where the bride is given as a Dan. ¹⁸⁸
    - Batta-Satta: Marriage by exchange. ¹⁴³

Jhanjrara: Marriage by elopement or mutual consent, often for widow remarriage. If a married woman elopes, the new husband compensates the former. ¹⁴³