Abstract

Himachal Pradesh, can hardly be called a tribal state though it is inhabitated by tribes like the Pangwala, Gaddi, Gujjar, Kinnaura, Lahaula, Lamba, Jad, Khampa, Swangla, Beda, and Zoba. The tribes of Himachal Pradesh are scattered in different parts of the state and the tribal communities residing in different parts of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh like Pangwala, Gaddi and Gujjar are sociable and by their own culture and tradition, they have marked their position in the Indian subcontinent also. Dancing, musical melodies, festival, fair, etc. bore evidence to it. They are by nature nomadic people and their customs and social structure make them identifiable from each other. As far as the occupations are concerned, the tribes of Chamba have taken up the occupations including rearing of cattle and also raising of wool. Dresses that these tribes of Chamba wear also are quite exquisite to look at. With this perspective an attempt is made in this paper analyze the fairs and festival, customs and culture of tribal people of Pangi tehsil of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.