Gujar Bakarwaal Gypsy
 

A Gujar Bakarwaal gypsy, with henna-dyed beard, relaxes with his grandson perched on his shoulders. It is common practice for the hardy, nomadic shepherds to carry small children and goat kids on their shoulders as they move from the alpine pastures of the upper Himalayas to the lower regions of Jammu and Punjab. Although they are Muslims, with prominent features and often aquiline noses, the Bakarwaals’ names--Yusuf, Ibrahim, Mahmoud--suggest ancient tribal origins.

Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir

 

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