The People of pangi are often called the 'Pangwals' and their population is around 18,000. Practically all the people live in small and fairly isolated villages. The origin of the pangwals is still a mystery. Some believe that during an invasion, many women were escorted to safety to this pocket and as they were unable to return, this led to the settling of the area. Another story is that the original people of Pangi were criminals and people banished from the Chamba durbar.
People of Pangi valley are mainly Hindu with a small population of Buddhist. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are practiced in the valley. As in other mid-hills of Himachal, the role of the village deity is strong and presence of devis and devtas add a powerful dimension to the main body of Hinduism. The major tribe inhabiting this area is Pangwal. These rugged people, who are Hindus, have their unique customs, traditions, and institutions. The native Pangwals and Bhotis are robust, hardworking, handsome people who keep the valley’s unique culture alive in folk songs, music and tribal dances.
The higher villages of pangi are called 'Bhatories' and their residents are reffered to as 'Bhots'. These people are mostly Buddhists and have Tibeto-Monglian features. They (Bhots) live in higher reaches of the valley called Bhatoris such as Sural Bhatori, Hundan Bhatori, Parmar Bhatori, Chasak Bhatori and Hilu-Twan. The five Bhatories of Pangi are – Chask Bhatori, Hillu-Twan Bhatori, Hudan Bhatori and Sural Bhatori.
Music, dance and the locally brewed liquor 'patar’, play a significant role in the life of the Pangwals. One of the major festivals celebrated towards the end of February is 'Jukaru'. Speaking worlds for both the hardship and the pastoral tradition of this part of the global. This is a celebration that thanks the gods for helping the people survive the better winter.
