LAUNCHARI - The Pride of a Gaddan
Gaddan - Painting by Sir Sobha Singh My beautiful friend - Shweta with little Ashwith Gaddans of Bharmour - Internet During my early days of living in Dharamshala one of the images that got imprinted on my mind – was the painting of a village girl by Sir Sobha Singh – titled Gaddan - with her sheep, her kambal (quilt) and sweet expressions against the backdrop of snow clad mountains. Gaddi – people who rear sheep, sell wool and lead a nomadic lifestyle. They are considered to be humble, hardworking, with a natural sense of hilarity and steeped in traditional ways of living and dressing. Theirs is a remarkable race with a distinct identity in Himachal. They arouse curiosity in many ways. For me what caught my attention was the beautiful dress and jewellery of the Gaddan women and their smiles – definitely the most colorful and beautiful in Himachal. The Gaddi jewellery is now the trade mark of Himachal With my interest in everything traditional; I obviously yearned to wear it...