Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful north Indian state that impressively represents the term “Unity in Diversity.” As you start traveling within Himachal, you can notice the people with different cultures and beliefs inhabiting the region. Overall, around 15 different tribes are residing in Himachal and each of them has something different to offer, especially to the explorers. With the best Himachal Tribal Tour Package, you can get an insight into the colorful lives of the Himachali tribes.
Tribes of Kinnaur –
Kinnaur tribes reside in the border of the valley of Kinnaur, in Himachal Pradesh. These tribes believe that they are related to the Kinner tribes of Maharashtra while other strains that their ancestors are related to Kirats who were overpowered by Aryans when they invaded the valley. Most Kinnaures are tall and fair and have some relatable features of Aryan, while some have mixed Mongolic strains too. It is a very peaceful and loving tribe who are soft-spoken as well. They are mainly engaged in horticulture and agriculture.
Chubha and Chama Sutan are their traditional garment, mainly worn by Kinnaures. They wear shoes made of wool and goat hair. Something unique thing about Kinnaur cultures is that their marriage system follows the Pandava-Draupadi system. All brothers in one family choose and marry a single girl. So, ultimately many girls are left unmarried and so they convert into nuns.
Gaddi Tribes of Mandi and Bilaspur –
Gaddis are not nomads as they have fixed villages where they reside. Just like migratory birds they also migrate to warmer pastures in winter and cool pastures in summer. The Gaddis originate from the nomadic tribes of the region. It was believed that Aurangzeb the Mughal emperor forced them to flee from the plains.
They are a good-looking tribe with a clear complexion and attractive features. However, the most interesting aspect about them is their colorful dresses and gorgeous scarves which the tribeswomen weave themselves. The black embroidered sash on their back is used to carry infants safely. Gaddi-style tribal jewelry studded with semi-precious stones and sparkling mirrors is very popular. The primary occupation of the Gaddi tribe is shepherding, weaving and farming. The tribe is flamboyant and decorates themselves with peacock feathers. By values and morals, they’re quite conservative and follow a disciplined life.
Nomadic Gujjars –
Gujjars are the most famous Muslim and their origin is believed to be central Asia. Historians believe that Gujjars have partly Hindu and partly Muslim ethnicity as lots of intermarriages have happened with other tribes as well. The tribe is strictly vegetarian and they prepare amazingly delicious food flavored with herbs and flowers picked from the nearby valleys and lowlands. Gujjar community is nomadic and they’re shepherds and goatherds by occupation. They keep migrating to different and more fertile regions of the Trans Himalayan range.
Lahaul Tribes of Lahaul –
The citizens of Lahaul are called Lahauli and they’re mainly tribals. The tribals are originated from Munda and they’re intermixed with Tibetans. They have longish fair faces with Tibetan features. The class system is prevalent here and the Lahaulis divide themselves into upper and lower classes. Their preferred religion is Buddhism and in the hut of every Lahauli there’s a picture of Gautama Buddha. The socio-cultural norms of Lahaulis are extremely liberal. Women can marry multiple times and divorce rate is also extremely high. The only rule is they always marry within the tribe.
Pirals of Hoshiarpur and Chandrabhangra –
Pirals are nomadic tribes who have cultures and customs that are very similar to Hindus. They are mostly involved in trending goats and animal husbandry activities. During the winter season, the Pirals along the goat herds descend to the warmer lower climes of Kangra and the lush green forests of Hosiarpur. The Pirals put up nomadic tenants on the bank of the Chandrabhaga River in Lahaul. The Piral community is much friendly and fun-loving and you can easily relate to their rituals when you meet them.
Planning the Tribal Tour to Himachal Pradesh –
If you’re interested in human history, sociology or anthropology then you can opt for a full-fledged 10 tribal tour that focuses on the lives of most tribes staying in Himachal exquisitely. Else a 3 day or 4 days Himachal tour can be planned to get an insight into the selected tribal communities of Himachal Pradesh.
Best recommended 8 Days Tribal Tour –
Taking the Himachal Tribal Tour package will open your eyes to the exotic beauty and the richness of the culture of Northern India. The beautiful handicrafts, unusual dresses and interesting customs of the Himachali tribes will amaze you while their simplicity will touch your heart.