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&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;New page&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;{{Short description|none}}&amp;lt;!-- This short description is INTENTIONALLY &amp;quot;none&amp;quot; - please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it! --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:DANCE OF HIMANCHAL PRADESH.jpg|thumb|Group of [[Himachalis|Himachali]] men performing [[Nati (dance)|Nati]]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Pahari culture&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039; refers to the [[cultural practice]]s, traditions, [[Pahari painting|arts]], [[Pahari language|language]]s, lifestyles, and [[social behavior]] of the people living in the hilly regions of [[northern India]], Pakistan, and Nepal.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;z962&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=BGSB UNIVERSITY | website=	Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, (J&amp;amp;K) | url=https://www.bgsbu.ac.in/cntrofresrch/pahari.aspx | ref={{sfnref| 	Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, (J&amp;amp;K) }} | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;f208&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=What India Can Learn From UK Pahari Speakers&amp;#039; Efforts to Preserve Their Linguistic Heritage | website=The Wire | date=20 Apr 2021 | url=https://thewire.in/society/what-india-can-learn-from-uk-pahari-speakers-efforts-to-preserve-their-linguistic-heritage | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The term &amp;quot;pahari&amp;quot; or &amp;quot;pahadi&amp;quot; originates from the [[Hindi language|Hindi]] word &amp;quot;pahad&amp;quot;, denoting &amp;quot;mountain&amp;quot; or &amp;quot;hill&amp;quot;,&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;x705&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Sreekant | first=Rama | title=All you want to know about Pahadi cuisine | website=DNA India | date=28 Nov 2014 | url=https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-all-you-want-to-know-about-pahadi-cuisine-2039130 | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and collectively describes the [[Hill people|inhabitants of mountainous areas]], including parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Uttarakhand]], and [[northern Pakistan]], as well as the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] foothills in Nepal.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;p056&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Culture &amp;amp; Heritage | website=Rajouri, Government of Jammu and Kashmir | date=20 Dec 2018 | url=https://rajouri.nic.in/culture-heritage/ | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Historically, [[Pahari people (Kashmir)|pahari communities]], including [[Pahari people (Bangladesh)|Bangladeshi Pahari groups]]—though their cultures are not extensively documented—and [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan speaking]] populations developed distinct identities due to their [[geographical isolation]]. This separation encouraged the emergence of a unique art forms, folk traditions, and linguistic patterns. However, these cultures also absorbed elements from broader civilizations, including [[Indo-Aryan civilization|Indo-Aryan]], Central Asian, and [[Tibetan culture|Tibetan influences]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;z737&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Geography and demographics ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Further|Geography of India|Geography of Pakistan}}&lt;br /&gt;
Pahari culture is influenced by the [[Geography of Asia|geography of the region]], which consists of hilly terrains, forests, rivers, and remote valleys. The Pahari-speaking communities reside across various ecosystems such as the lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir and northern Pakistan.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;z737&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=History &amp;amp; Facts | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=20 Jul 1998 | url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pahari | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; All these territories and regions, including [[Indian subcontinent|cross border regions]] are originally classified as the [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European family]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The population comprises various [[ethnic group]]s, including [[Koli people|Kolis]], [[Dogras]], [[Gujjar]]s, [[Gaddis]], [[Bhutias]], and [[Bakarwal]]s in India, and Pahari [[Pashtuns|pathans]] and [[Dardistan|Dards]] in Pakistan. In Nepal, Pahari culture is practiced through groups like the [[Gurungs]], [[Thakali people|Thakalis]], and [[Tamang people|Tamangs]]. Despite differences in language and traditions, these communities share common cultural elements due to their geographic proximity and historical exchanges.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;z737&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Languages ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Western Pahari|Indo-Aryan languages}}&lt;br /&gt;
The northern regions of the [[Indian subcontinent]] are home to a variety of regional languages. In the [[Jammu division|Jammu region]] of India, [[Dogri language|Dogri]] and [[Gojri]] are widely spoken.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;r970&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Pahari languages | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=20 Jul 1998 | url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pahari-languages | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Dogri, primarily used by the [[Dogras|Dogra community]], is recognized as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and enjoys a rich literary tradition. Gojri is spoken by the nomadic [[Gujjar]] and [[Bakarwal]] communities, who traditionally engage in transhumance, moving between the plains and high-altitude pastures.&lt;br /&gt;
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Himachal Pradesh is characterized by several [[Himachali language]]s, major of them including [[Mahasu Pahari]] (Mahasui) [[Kullu language|Kulluvi]], [[Mandeali]], [[Kangri language|Kangri]], and [[Chambeali]]. Mahasu Pahari is spoken in [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and [[Solan district]]. It is divided into two subgroups Upper Mahasui and Lower Mahasui. Kochi, Sudochi, etc are dialects of Upper Mahasui which are spoken in Upper [[Shimla district]] while Keonthali, Baghati, Bagheali, [[Hinduri language|Hinduri]], etc are dialects of Lower Mahasui spoken in Lower Shimla district and [[Solan district]]. Kulluvi is spoken in the [[Kullu Valley]], while Mandeali is associated with the [[Mandi district]], [[Kangri language|Kangri]] is associated with the [[Kangra district]], and Chambeali is native to the [[Chamba district|Chamba]] region. These languages belong to the Western Pahari group and are part of the cultural identity of their respective regions.&lt;br /&gt;
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In [[Uttarakhand]], three major languages are prominent—[[Jaunsari language|Jaunsari]], [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]] and [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]]. Jaunsari is spoken in [[Jaunsar-Bawar]] region in [[Dehradun district|Dehradun District]], it is closely related to Mahasu Pahari and [[Sirmauri language|Sirmauri]] of Himachal Pradesh. Kumaoni is spoken in the [[Kumaon division]], covering districts such as [[Almora]], [[Nainital]], and [[Pithoragarh]], while Garhwali is native to the [[Garhwal division]], which includes areas like [[Dehradun]], [[Tehri]], and [[Pauri]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;r970&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; Both languages belong to the Central Pahari group.&lt;br /&gt;
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In Pakistan-administered [[Azad Kashmir]], [[Pahari-Pothwari]] serves as a significant linguistic variety. It is spoken in Azad Kashmir and in parts of northern Pakistan and regions across the [[Line of Control]]. The language features multiple dialects and acts as a linguistic link between communities on [[Kashmir|both sides]] of the Kashmir border.&lt;br /&gt;
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These languages belong primarily to the Indo-Aryan [[Indo-Aryan languages|linguistic family]], with local dialects varying significantly between valleys and districts.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;r970&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; Although many Pahari languages have not been extensively documented, the government institutions and NGOs made attempts to preserve them through [[literature]], [[radio broadcast]]s, and cultural programs.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;r970&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Arts and crafts ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Further|Crafts of India|Pakistani craft}}&lt;br /&gt;
Art and craft are parts of Pahari culture, with communities known for their distinct styles of [[handicraft]]s, weaving, and painting, including [[Pahari painting]]. Originating in Himachal Pradesh, Pahari paintings are renowned for their delicate brushwork, colors, and themes drawn from [[mythology]], nature, and [[folklore]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;d777&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Naim | first=C.M. | last2=Ramanujan | first2=A.K. | title=Pahari, Miniature, Paintings | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=12 Jan 2000 | url=https://www.britannica.com/art/South-Asian-arts/Pahari-style | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;u802&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Pahari Art – An Indian Art Style | website=ICAT Blog | url=http://blog.icat.ac.in/pahari-art-%E2%80%93-an-indian-art-style | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The [[Kangra painting|Kangra school of painting]] is especially popular for its depictions of [[Radha and Krishna]].&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Handloom]] weaving such as woolen [[shawl]]s, carpets, and blankets are commonly produced in the region. Kullu shawls and Chamba [[rumal]]s (handkerchief) are known for their patterns and use of natural dyes. Communities in the Pahari belt engage in woodwork and pottery such as [[wood carving]] and [[pottery]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;d777&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Music and dance ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Music of Himachal Pradesh|Traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh|Nati (dance)|Music of Uttarakhand|Music of Jammu and Kashmir}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Solan gidda.PNG|thumb|Dance group performing [[Solan]] [[giddha]] (Pahari giddha)]]&lt;br /&gt;
Music and dance play a central role in the cultural life of the Pahari regions, within their celebrations, [[festival]]s, and rituals. These art forms serve as [[entertainment]] as well as [[Expression (linguistics)|linguistic expression]]s of tradition, [[human emotion|emotion]]s, and social unity. The folk music of the region is often centered around themes of nature, love, separation, and devotion. Traditional musical instruments, such as the [[dhol]] (a double-sided drum), [[Nagara (drum)|nagara]] (a kettledrum), [[flute]], and [[chimta]] (a percussion instrument with jingling discs), are commonly used as traditional musical instruments for folk songs.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;u981&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite book | title=Himachal Competition Focus - Half Yearly 2020 - January to August | publisher=Sarla Publications Private Limited | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6uv5DwAAQBAJ&amp;amp;pg=PA35 | access-date=24 Oct 2024 | page=35}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Traditional Dance (Naati).jpg|thumb|Himachali men performing Nati with swords in Dev Jagar]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Nati (dance)|Nati]], originating from Himachal Pradesh, nati is known for its slow, and rhythmic movements. It is performed during festivals and celebrations, often involving long lines of dancers who move in unison to traditional music.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;e490&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite book | last=Kanda | first=R.K. | last2=Publications | first2=R. | title=The Glory of Himachal Pradesh | publisher=Rudra Publications | isbn=978-93-89960-33-4 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tzGzEAAAQBAJ&amp;amp;pg=PA36 | access-date=24 Oct 2024 | page=36}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;b319&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite book | author=Himachal Pradesh (India) | last2=Negi | first2=T.S. | title=Himachal Pradesh District Gazetteers | publisher=Printed at the Standard Print. Press | series=Gazetteer of India | issue=v. 5 | year=1975 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e1huAAAAMAAJ | access-date=24 Oct 2024 | page=}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Marriage ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Further|Weddings in India}}&lt;br /&gt;
The Pahaṛi communities exhibit a rich variety of [[wedding|marriage custom]]s, encompassing practices such as [[polyandry]], where multiple brothers share a single wife; polygyny, in which one man has several wives; and group marriages that involve a number of husbands and wives. [[Monogamous]] unions are also present, though they are less prevalent. In certain Pahari traditions, girls may be married at a young age, sometimes before turning 10, but they generally do not begin living with their husbands until they have reached a suitable level of [[adulthood]]. These marriage traditions suggests the complex [[social dynamics]] within Pahari culture and demonstrate how these communities navigate their social and [[Environmental issues|environmental circumstances]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;z737&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Religion and festivals ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Further|List of festivals in India}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Himachali people covered in holi colours, dancing. 01.jpg|thumb|Himachali men playing [[Holi]] and dancing]]&lt;br /&gt;
The majority of Pahari communities follow [[Hinduism]], Islam, or Buddhism, although local animistic practices are also prevalent in remote areas. Temples, mosques, and monasteries dot the landscape, often serving as important cultural centers.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;r531&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=ST status proposed for Paharis, Paddaris in J&amp;amp;K. Who are they? | website=Deccan Herald | date=1 Aug 2023 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/explained-st-status-proposed-for-paharis-paddaris-in-jk-who-are-they-1242905.html | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;m587&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Subramanian | first=Nirupama | title=Speaking Pahari, seeking Anantnag | website=The Hindu | date=6 Mar 2024 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/speaking-pahari-seeking-anantnag/article67921415.ece | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Paharis native of Jammu and Kashmir districts such as [[Rajouri district|Rajouri]], and [[Poonch district, India|Poonch]] observe [[Vaisakhi]] festival. It is celebrated to mark the [[harvest season]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;r499&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Baisakhi observed with fervour in Rajouri, Poonch | website=Greater Kashmir | date=14 Apr 2022 | url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/pir-panjal/baisakhi-observed-with-fervour-in-rajouri-poonch/ | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;w169&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Two-Day Cultural Festival concludes at Bani | website=Jammu Links News | url=https://www.jammulinksnews.com/mb/newsdet.aspx?q=312743 | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Paharis in the [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] observe [[Islamic holidays|Muslim religious festivals]] such as [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t055&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Group of Muslims on way to offer Eid prayers allegedly attacked in Rajouri، Police denies | website=The Kashmiriyat | date=10 Apr 2024 | url=https://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/group-of-muslims-on-way-for-offer-eid-prayers-allegedly-attacked-in-rajouri/ | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Cuisine ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Further|Indian cuisine}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Siddu dish 01.jpg|thumb|[[Siddu (bread)|Siddu]] (Himachali dish) served with chutney]]&lt;br /&gt;
The cuisine of the Pahari region is influenced by local ingredients and seasonal availability.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;x705&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; Common foods include lentils, rice, vegetables, and dairy products. Traditional dishes vary from region to region.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Pahari murga dish features chicken cooked in a mixture of milk and [[yogurt]], seasoned with spices such as [[coriander]], ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, and fennel. Paharis also prepare chainsoo, a lentil-based dish from the [[Garhwal division|Garhwal region]], Chainsoo is made from black gram ([[urad dal]]).&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=10 Pahadi Recipes From The Hills To Feel Cozy In Winter | website=NDTV Food | date=15 Feb 2021 | url=https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/10-pahadi-recipes-to-feel-cozy-in-winter-2349182 | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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The cuisine of the Pahari region includes several dishes classified by the use of local [[ingredient]]s, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking methods. One such dish is the pahari chicken snack, where pieces of chicken are stir-fried with a paste made from [[lamiaceae|mint]], [[coriander]], [[garlic]], and [[ginger]]. Green chilies and [[garam masala]] is also added to its flavor, which is used during colder months.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Babru is a variation of [[poori]], prepared by adding [[baking powder]] to the dough. The dough is filled with cooked [[vigna mungo|black gram dal]], the same [[lentil]] used in chainsoo, and then deep-fried for crisp texture. This dish is served  on everyday meals.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Chana madra is another staple dish that involves slow-cooking [[chickpeas]] in a yogurt-based gravy. Spices like [[cardamom]], [[clove]]s, [[turmeric]], and [[cumin]] impart layers of flavor, making it a prominent dish in the region&amp;#039;s culinary repertoire.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Shakuli, a traditional [[papad]], is made using refined flour, salt, water, and [[oil]]. The mixture is steamed and left to dry in the sun for several days. It is usually served with meals.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Aloo palda is prepared of [[potato]]es, which are simmered in a gravy made from onions, whisked [[yogurt]], and ground [[rice]]. The [[Chamba district|Chamba]] region serves [[Chamba Chukh]] and fried fish, which features freshwater fish coated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, [[coriander]], turmeric, and [[red chili]] powder. The fish is dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried, resulting in a golden dish.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Trout|Kullu trout]] is also a fish preparation process from the [[Kullu]] region. The trout is marinated with spices and pan-fried, usually served with hot rice.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;t975&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; Traditional tea such as [[kahwa]] is infused with [[saffron]], cinnamon, and almonds. People of different cultures including from paharis serve kehew.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;n926&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Which Is Your Perfect Match? | website=NDTV Food | date=7 Oct 2024 | url=https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/kahwa-vs-masala-tea-which-is-your-perfect-match-4256025 | access-date=24 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; [[Siddu (bread)|Siddu]] is another cuisine prepared by paharis and other natives of Jammu and Kashmir, steamed bread made with wheat flour and stuffed with lentils or vegetables, popular in Himachal Pradesh.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;x705&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Clothing ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Further|Clothing in India}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel - Atal Tunnel, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh on October 03, 2020 (7).jpg|thumb|[[Narendra Modi]] during inauguration of [[Atal Tunnel]] wearing [[Himachali cap]]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Pahari attire is adapted to the cold climate of the mountains. [[Woolen]] garments are common, with men wearing chogas (long cloaks) and women draping shawls or pashmina scarves.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;d019&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Books | website=The Sunday Tribune | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111016/spectrum/main4.htm | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; [[Himachali cap]]s, known for visible colors and [[Geometric design|geometric pattern]]s, are a distinctive feature of the region&amp;#039;s [[attire]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;y267&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Unveiling the rich history of the Himachali cap | website=The Times of India | date=25 Oct 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/buzz/unveiling-the-rich-history-of-the-himachali-cap/photostory/104559309.cms | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In Kashmir, the [[pheran]] is a traditional loose gown worn by both men and women during winter.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;f119&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=All about Kashmiri pheran | website=The Times of India | date=19 Dec 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/buzz/all-about-kashmiri-pheran/articleshow/106101298.cms | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Social structure ==  &lt;br /&gt;
The [[social structure]] of Pahari communities is often organized around villages, with a close-knit community lifestyle.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;g823&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Magazine section | website=The Tribune | date=29 Nov 2008 | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081129/saturday/main1.htm | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Traditional [[joint family|joint families]] are common, although nuclear families are becoming more prevalent due to [[modernization]].&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;a717&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Islam | first=Taaseen Mohammed | title=Why I&amp;#039;m okay with leaving joint families in the past | website=The Daily Star | date=19 May 2022 | url=https://www.thedailystar.net/shout/news/why-im-okay-leaving-joint-families-the-past-3026506 | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;c496&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite journal | last=Berreman | first=Gerald D. | title=Sib and Clan among the Pahari of North India | journal=Ethnology | publisher=University of Pittsburgh- Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | volume=1 | issue=4 | year=1962 | issn=0014-1828 | jstor=3772855 | pages=524–528 | url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/3772855 | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Agriculture, livestock rearing, and [[horticulture]] are the primary sources of livelihood. Some communities, such as the Bakarwals and Gujjars, follow a semi-nomadic lifestyle, migrating with their [[herd]]s across different altitudes throughout the year.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The [[Indian subcontinent|isolation of many Pahari region]]s has helped preserve certain [[Folk costume|traditional custom]]s, although [[modernization]] is gradually influencing daily life. Education, tourism, and government initiatives reportedly improved [[Quality of life|living conditions]] in some areas, while others continue to face challenges related to [[infrastructure]] and employment.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;p044&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Shaheen | first=Ghulam Sarver | title=Tribality of Gujjar &amp;amp; Bakarwals: A Historical perspective | website=The Kashmir Horizon | date=6 Aug 2023 | url=https://thekashmirhorizon.com/2023/08/06/tribality-of-gujjar-bakarwals-a-historical-perspective/ | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Decline ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Modernity}}&lt;br /&gt;
Pahari literary works and traditions are at risk of being lost due to [[sociocultural system|socio-cultural]], economic, and [[politics|political factor]]s.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;e118&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Pahari A Vanishing Culture | website=Daily Excelsior | date=26 Nov 2016 | url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/pahari-a-vanishing-culture/ | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;g486&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Gujjar-Pahari: The Vicious Divide in Pir Panjal Region | website=Kashmir Observer | date=28 Dec 2021 | url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2021/12/28/gujjar-pahari-the-vicious-divide-in-pir-panjal-region/ | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;i452&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Excelsior | first=Daily | title=Pahari languages plead for protection | website=Daily Excelsior | date=22 Aug 2021 | url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/pahari-languages-plead-for-protection/ | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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The decline of Pahari culture is closely tied to the diminishing use of its [[dialect]]s, which serve as carriers of the region&amp;#039;s folklore, traditions, and modern [[social behavior]]. In regions like upper [[Shimla]] and the [[Shimla district|Mahasu]] area of Himachal Pradesh, these dialects are under significant pressure, primarily because they lack a [[writing system|standardized script]] and formal documentation.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;m532&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; Although the [[Tankri script]] exists, limited attempts were made to record the [[oral tradition]]s or cultural practices of the region. For centuries, the transmission of Pahari dialects, ballads, and folk tales has relied on oral methods, which are now being disrupted by [[Modernization theory|modern lifestyle]] changes.&lt;br /&gt;
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A key factor contributing to the decline is the [[human migration|of people]] from [[quality of life|rural areas to urban]] centers in search of [[standard of living|better employment and educational opportunities]]. This migration has weakened intergenerational exposure to the native dialects and customs, as individuals become disconnected from their roots. Additionally, economic shifts—such as the decline in the region&amp;#039;s [[apple]] industry—have driven many families toward the service sector, often requiring them to move away from their ancestral homes.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;m532&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; As a result, the younger [[generation]] is increasingly adopting Hindi and English as primary languages, particularly in family settings, further eroding the use of Pahari dialects.&lt;br /&gt;
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Without written [[document|records]] or sufficient [[social interaction|daily interaction]] with the language, the cultural bond with Pahari heritage is weakening. As fewer people engage with their native dialects, the risk of [[Cultural homogenization|cultural erosion]] grows, leading to the gradual decline of both the language and the traditions it encapsulates.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;m532&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Pahari could go downhill in upper Shimla | website=The Tribune | date=19 May 2019 | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/pahari-could-go-downhill-in-upper-shimla-774921 | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== Preservation ==&lt;br /&gt;
Pahari culture, like many indigenous cultures, faces challenges from modernization, [[Human migration|migration]], and [[environmental change]]s. The government and [[non-governmental organization]]s attempting to preserve traditional arts, languages, and lifestyles. Cultural festivals, museums, and academic research are playing a role in safeguarding the heritage of these communities.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web | last=Excelsior | first=Daily | title=Pahari A Vanishing Culture | website=Daily Excelsior | date=26 Nov 2016 | url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/pahari-a-vanishing-culture/ | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Pahari culture has been recognized under the [[UNESCO]] Convention for the safeguarding of the [[Intangible cultural heritage]] (2003), focused on preserving the cultural practices of the Pahari communities in the Himalayan region. This recognition has facilitated community-based [[Inventory|inventorying process]]es, allowing local populations to actively document and celebrate their traditions, including [[folk music]], dance, crafts, and languages. The UNESCO&amp;#039;s recognition was aimed to safeguard this intangible heritage and to promote cultural exchange and inform policies that support the sustainability and resilience of Pahari cultural practices.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;g109&amp;quot;&amp;gt;{{cite web | title=Pahari community eager to safeguard its intangible culture | website=unesco | url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/pahari-community-eager-safeguard-its-intangible-culture | language=rw | access-date=23 Oct 2024}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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== See also ==&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Mahasu (region)|Mahasu region]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Takri script|Takri Script]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Dogri literature]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Literature of Kashmir]]&lt;br /&gt;
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== References ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{reflist}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Culture of Kashmir]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Culture of Azad Kashmir]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Tibetan culture]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Himalayan culture]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Abdul kadar</name></author>
	</entry>
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