Gaddi of Himachal Pradesh: animal husbandry

Domain:Social practices, rituals and festive events

State:

Description:

The video is a documentary feature on the lives of the pastoralist Gaddi tribe of Himachal Pradesh. They live in the higher reaches of the Himalayas and spend their life herding sheep. For most time of the year they engage in transhumance or the seasonal movement of livestock from one grazing ground to another. During summer months the Gaddis move with their sheep and goats to pastures as high as 14,000 feet in altitude. The Gaddis travel long distances to graze their livestock and they decide on the route before setting out. These are traditional routes which have been followed for hundreds of years. They pass steep gradients, glaciers and passes on their journey. The Gaddis are followers of Lord Shiva and Mount Kailash is both a spiritual and physical landmark for them. The seven day Bharmour yatra is celebrated at the Chaurasi Temple at Bharmour once the herdsmen return.