#gujjar

1974 - Gujjar / Bakarwal of Kashmir, Wangath Valley

Gujar shepherds retreat from oncoming winter in Pir Panjal Mountains.

Gujar women in the Pir Panjal forest in Kashmir. Pir Panjal meaning The Saint's Mountain, is located on the south-western border of Kashmir and Punjab.

Watercolour

Kashmir, a region with a captivating ethnic diversity, is home to many fascinating communities. Parveena and her daughter, Rubeena, are part of an ethnic group known as Gujjar. During the summer, they live high in the mountains alongside their cattle, surrounded by the beauty of nature. However, as winter approaches, they migrate to the warmer valleys. The life of these people is challenging, but, like many traditional communities, they maintain a deep connection with spirituality, which gives them strength and hope. For instance, little Rubeena wears a Ta’wiz around her neck, a special amulet containing a few verses from the Quran.