Cultural Reflections on the Gujjar-Bakarwal Marriage Rituals: Upholding the Traditions of a Unique Heritage

Abstract

India is renowned as a birthplace of several tribes and communities around the world. Scheduled Tribes (STs) population exists in almost all the states & union territories of India.  The Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir are divided into twelve tribes namely: Gujjar, Bakerwal, Gaddi, Sappi, Balti, Boto, Purigpa, Changpa, Mon, Garra, Beda, and Shin. The 2011 census indicates that scheduled tribes constitute 11.9% of the total population in Jammu and Kashmir. Out of the twelve tribes, Gujjar is the most populous tribe followed by Bot and then Bakerwal. Gujjar and Bakerwal are settled in almost all districts of Jammu and Kashmir but their main concentration is found in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Gujjar and Bakarwals are two sub-ethnic groups that have preserved their cultural traditions over time. This paper explores the rich and diverse traditional marriage rituals practiced by the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities of Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing from the researcher’s first-hand experiences as a member of the Gujjar community, alongside extensive literature, this study provides an ethnographic account of ceremonial practices that highlight the social, spiritual, and symbolic dimensions of marriage within these groups. Marriage, in Gujjar-Bakarwal tradition, is far more than a union of two individuals; it is a communal event that reinforces kinship, cultural continuity, and social cohesion. Through detailed documentation of pre-wedding to post-wedding customs-including Mangani, Kudmayi, Saado, Paani Parno, Budhkar, and Buwoh Pakdani- the paper captures the essence of a culture deeply rooted in ritualistic heritage and communal values. This paper also examines the transformative impact of modernization, migration, and inter-community exposure on these matrimonial customs. The researcher has also attempted to provide some recommendations which aimed at reviving and sustaining these practices, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with indigenous roots in the face of rapid societal change.