Bhadarwahis

Bhaderwahi people (also Bhaderwahis) are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group native to the Bhaderwah Valley in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, who traditionally speak the Bhadarwahi language.

Language
Bhadarwahi belongs to the Western Pahari subgroup of the Indo-Aryan languages, sharing similarities with Dogri and Kashmiri but possessing distinct vocabulary and grammar. It is classified as "definitely endangered" by UNESCO due to language shift towards Hindi and Urdu among younger generations.

Culture
Bhaderwahi culture is a vibrant blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions, reflecting the diverse religious makeup of the community. Music and dance are integral to their festivities, with instruments like the dhol, narsinga, and algoza commonly used. Popular folk dances include the Mela Patt.

Demographics
The majority of Bhaderwahis are Hindus, with a significant Muslim minority. Both communities coexist peacefully and participate in each other's festivals, highlighting the spirit of religious tolerance prevalent in the valley.