Once revered for the Spartan lives they led, the Bakarwals have been reduced to fighting for grazing rights in meadows.
The nomads moving from higher reaches of Kashmir to Jammu region in search of greener pastures ahead of winter. This year they had proceeded their journey a month ahead due to the ongoing unrest in the valley. (Photo: PTI)- Like so many of India's nomadic communities, the Bakarwals too are gradually being squeezed out of their niche. Many have already safer, sedentary life, with many working as unskilled labour for the road builders. (Photo: AP)
- But today the Bakharwals have to contend with a host of new problems. Roads now run through several of their migratory routes, with convoys of trucks and taxis carrying tourists taking a toll on their animals. Landslips, caused by the blasting of mountains, are also a bane. (Photo: AP)
- The journey, undertaken by the entire family, lasts as long as three weeks. The vagaries of weather make the journey daunting. (Photo: PTI)
- Every year, just as the winter snows begin to melt and alpine pastures return to life, members of this community begin a long journey with their livestock, sheep, goat, horses and buffalo, to high meadows that offer their animals good grazing. (Photo: PTI)
The nomads moving from higher reaches of Kashmir to Jammu region in search of greener pastures ahead of winter. This year they had proceeded their journey a month ahead due to the ongoing unrest in the valley. (Photo: PTI)
Once revered for the Spartan lives they led, the Bakarwals have been reduced to fighting for grazing rights in meadows.
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