Handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh
The
State of Himachal is rich in the field of handicrafts. In Kangra Valley, at
Mcleodganj, fine and detailed sand mandals are made. Tibetan textiles such as
bags, chubas (dresses worn by Tibetan women), hats and trousers can be
found at the office of Tibetan Handicrafts and Stitches of Time. The Tibetan
handicrafts co-operative, employs about 145 people in the weaving of most
Tibetan carpets. The visitors are welcome to watch the carpet makers at work on
traditional looms. There are dozens of other shops, selling Tibetan artifacts.
The
Kullu Valley is famous for shawls. Woven on wooden handloom, Kullu shawls are
light and remarkably warm and make great souvenirs. From Bhuntar to Manali, the
road is lined up with literally hundreds of shops, selling traditional Kullu
shawls with check patterns, using motifs associated with Buddhism. The Kulu
nose ornaments are mainly the nath and boulak designs. The pipal
patra is an ornament to frame the face, made by fastening pipla leaves to
enamelled silver, made in Kullu and Kinnaur.
