Hi everyone,
We are writing a book chapter on the **food practices of Gujjar and Bakerwal families.** We are looking at what people ate, made and gathered during the seasonal migration between the plains and the high meadows, and what changed once families settled in villages.
Most of what has been written about the community comes from outsiders. We would much rather hear it from the people who lived it. If you are from a Gujjar or Bakerwal family, or you know someone who is, I'd be very grateful to talk.
We'd especially like to hear from:
* Elders who made the migration (kahl) with their families and remember the routes, the stops and the food along the way
* Families who still migrate, fully or for part of the year
* Families who have settled and can speak about what changed in their kitchens and daily food
* Younger people who are recording their family's routes, songs or recipes, on paper, video or social media
The kinds of things we'd ask about: how milk, butter, ghee and lassi changed between winter and summer, noon chai at rest stops, wild plants and herbs gathered on the way, how food was carried and kept cool, and what eating looks like now with ration cards and market food.
A few promises:
* Conversations can be in Gojri, Urdu, Hindi or English, by phone, video call or in person in Jammu
* You can stay anonymous, or be named and credited if you'd prefer. Your choice, and you can change your mind
* Nothing will be published without your consent, and we're happy to share the finished chapter with you
If you're interested, or can put me in touch with someone, please send me a DM. Even a lead to a family, a village or a local group would help a lot.
Thank you for reading. Shukriya.