Fakirani Jats migrate throughout the year mostly within Kutch. They have fixed grazing patterns. Camels are the mainstay of Fakirani communities. But in recent years because of shrinking grazing ground more and more families are giving up their migratory life.
Traditional dwellings of Fakirani Jats are known as ‘pakkhas‘. Pakkhas are made of kal (reed grass), jute, ropes and wood. Women build them just before the onset of the monsoon. These dwellings are rebuilt every one or two years.
Ayub Ameen Jat pets an adult Kharai camel in Chirai Moti.
On a hot summer day in Abdasa taluka, Mujamil Jat gives water to his herd of sheep and goats.
Over a cup of tea made from camel milk, elders worry about the start of summer as grazing land is already scarce.
Bacchi Jat is making Rotlo (ragi roti) for dinner at her makeshift pakkha while other members of her family are out grazing the camels. Rotlo and camel milk is the staple of the Fakirani Jats.
A herd on the march in the Rann.
Gusty winds blow on a summer afternoon while the herders take a break from work.
Aga Khan Savlani (left) is a spiritual teacher and respected elder of the Fakirani Jat community. He is also an activist working for the community’s well being.
People enlisting their herds for a health camp organised for camels. There is a constant demand for medical camps for the animals.
Latif and Murad are best friends. They learnt to shepherd their camel herds at a young age.
A group of Fakirani youth carry mutton biriyani at a social gathering in a small hamlet located close to the Indo-Pak border.
In night Fakirani herders sleep under the open sky close to their animals.
The herd is lined up along a water trough.
A calf drinks milk while the herder keeps a close eye.