Life on the Move: The Resilient Journey of Himachal’s Nomadic Gujjars

As the summer heat intensifies in the plains, the nomadic Gujjar community begins its seasonal migration to the cooler, forested hills of Himachal Pradesh. With no permanent homes, many Gujjars have set up temporary camps along the banks of the Giri River, seeking relief from the scorching temperatures.

Despite their transient lifestyle, the Gujjars remain deeply connected to their traditions and way of life. They don’t lament their lack of permanent shelter—instead, they take pride in their self-sufficiency and the simplicity of their existence. During the summer months, they inhabit the forests of Narkanda, Chanshal, and Churdhar. Come winter, they descend to the warmer regions of Nalagarh, Baddi, Paonta, Doon, and Dharatidhar in Sirmaur district.

Disconnected from the digital world, the Gujjars live without access to the internet, social media, or modern political discourse. Their lives revolve around age-old customs, celebrated in the heart of the forest. Marriages and other social rituals are conducted in nature, and when illness strikes, they turn to traditional herbal remedies passed down through generations.

Sheikhdin and Kamaldin Gujjar, who were seen herding their cattle toward Narkanda, voiced their frustration. “Even after 75 years of independence, no government has truly understood or supported our way of life,” they said. Their livelihood depends on selling milk, khoya, and paneer—products of their livestock.

While the government has introduced mobile schools for nomadic children, the lack of a fixed address means many children remain out of the education system. Illiteracy continues to be a major challenge.

Though the Gujjars identify as a Muslim community, many do not observe traditional religious practices like Roza or Namaaz, largely due to the demands and isolation of their lifestyle. Life in the forest is not without danger—natural disasters and encounters with wild animals are constant threats.

Yet, through all the hardships, the Gujjars endure with quiet strength. Their story is one of resilience, tradition, and a deep-rooted connection to the land—an often overlooked chapter in the diverse cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh.