Category: Art & Culture

‘Himachal Pradesh’ was named by a great Sanskrit scholar Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma. Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state of India situated in the northern part of the Asian subcontinent. This amazing state consists of various communities, religions, and ethics. Everyone lives in peace and harmony enjoying diverse traditions and cultures throughout the region.

Apart from all the diversities in Himachal Pradesh, the Himachalis have specific attire that differentiates them from other communities. These communities include Rajputs, Hindu Brahmins, and some other tribes such as Gaddis, Kinnauris, Lahulis, Kullvi, spitians, The traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh are full of vibrant colors and are mostly handwoven. The costumes and dressing styles of various regions represent their culture and traditional values. Also, the dresses are made according to the cold weather conditions of these regions to keep the people warm and safe. The costumes are beautiful and full of colors. Caps, shawls, woolen coats, waistcoats, stoles are most commonly used by the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Traditional Dresses of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the eminent states of India with miscellaneous and traditional dressing styles. The traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh are different for different tribes and vary among both men and women as well. the dresses are made keeping in mind the harsh cold weather during winters that linger almost throughout the year. The women usually wear salwar kameez, Ghagras, and Lehenga Cholis. The costumes of women include colorful headscarves that are long enough and are knotted from the back.  Women also adorn themselves with lots of bangles, and different types of traditional ornaments.

Let’s go through the different types of Traditional Dresses in Himachal Pradesh

• Kinnaur Dress
• Shimla Dress
• Chamba Dress
• Sirmaur Dress
• Lahauli’s Dress and Siptian’s Dress

Kinnaur Traditional Dress

Kinnaur lies in the northeast part of Himachal Pradesh and is surrounded by Tibet to the east. Kinnaur is an extremely beautiful district with three high mountains ranges hence it has the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas. Some of the famous and delicious fruits like apples, Chilgozas, and various other dry fruits are grown in Kinnaur.

The climate here is mostly cold and snowy that is the reason the people in this district prefer and wear woolen dresses. The costumes of men and women are made as per the climatic conditions and are equally beautiful with vibrant colors.

Men usually wear warm woolen shirts that are locally called ‘chamn Kurti’. There is another type of dress that men wear called ‘Chhuba’ which is a long woolen coat. A sleeveless woolen jacket worn over the ‘chhuba’, a churidar pajama called ‘Suthan’, and a woolen cap ‘Kinnauri topi’ completes the costume of men.

Women cover themselves with beautiful and colorful woolen shawl locally termed as ‘Dohru’.  The ‘Dohru’ is a long shawl with embroidered borders throughout the length and flows up to the heels.

The first wrap is over the back and then on the shoulders. Beautiful cholis or blouses are worn with the shawl. Some of the young Kinnaurs prefer wearing cotton/synthetic salwar kameez as well nowadays.

The Kinnaurs used to wear traditional footwear made up of wool and goat hair however now they wear readymade shoes.

The women also adorn themselves with heavy jewelry which compliments the look and makes them look prettier.

Shimla Traditional Dress

Shimla is the largest city of the Indian states and is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This amazingly beautiful city is the queen of hills in India and is located 7500ft above sea level. Enriched with mesmerizing scenic beauty, Shimla is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in India.

Like other Himachali districts, Shimla has a unique culture and traditions of various aspects of life including the dressing style that makes them different from various other tribes.

The basic traditional dress of Shimla is usually woolen cloth due to the cold climatic conditions that include salwar kameez and kurta pajamas with a waistcoat in different patter from other tribes and with different names.

Men of Shimla usually wear warm knee-length kurta and pair it with pajama locally termed as ‘Suthan’. The woolen kurta is then layered with a jacket or waistcoat as a prevention from the cold weather. This waistcoat is locally called ‘Saluka’ or ‘Sadri. Just like other tribes of Himachal Pradesh, the men cover their heads with a round colorful woolen cap.

The women of Shimla wear a 5 set of costumes known as ‘Reshta’. This traditional outfit includes a high neck Kurti, a pajama, a skirt, a waistcoat, and a rectangular headscarf. The waistcoat is called a ‘saluka’. They cover their head with a square headscarf call ‘Dhatu’.  To make the outfit look more beautiful, the women wear heavy jhumkas.

Chamba Traditional Dress

Chamba is located in the northwestern district of Himachal Pradesh. This region has a vibrant culture that includes various traditions, beliefs, arts, and is rich in traditional costumes.

The Chamba district is usually known for its Gaddi tribe, which is an ancient cultural tribe of Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, men of the Chamba district used to wear woolen chaddars called ‘Pattu’ around their waist which is tied with using ‘patka’, and the women used to wear full-length woolen dresses. The Gaddi men, however, wore very loosely fir woolen dress locally called as ‘Chola’ that used to be white and they used girdle with a long black woolen rope locally termed as ‘Dora’.

With time, the people of Chamba have been evolved and their dressing changed a lot. Nowadays, the traditional costumes of men are the knee-length  ‘Chola’ that is a long woolen coat. It is then tied with a rope called ‘Dora’. the bottom outfit is a woolen pajama termed as ‘Suthan’. The men cover their heads wearing a unique traditional ‘topi’.

The costumes of women are beautiful vibrant frocks called Luanchari, which is made using around 20meters of fabric. The frocks are stitched beautifully and adorned with lots of frills and pippins in them. The costume also includes ‘Dora’ which is worn around the waist and used to tie the Lauanchari.

The ‘Dora’ is around 45 meters long black-colored woolen cord used by the women. They cover their head using beautifully decorated dupattas which adds to their beauty and gives the whole outfit a traditional look.

Women in Chamba carry various types of traditional ornaments that come with beautiful designs.

Some of the different types of jewelry worn by Chamba women are:

• Chak: This is specifically used by Gaddi women and it’s a symbol of married women. It is worn at the back of the head and is conical in shape. Different types of chak are chak-boron wala which includes lots of hanging beads at the edges with silver chains and chak-Meena with Meena work done beautifully.
• Chiri Tikka: Chiri is a mang tikka worn by Chamba women over the forhead.
• Shangli: A long chain that is used to wear around the head.
• Pari: Kinnaur Traditional Dress Pari is an anklet locally known as Payal worn on feet.
• Shirka-chamkui: Gujjar women wear the Shirka-chamkui on both sides of the head.
• Chanderhar: a very long necklace.
• Gojru: Gojru are the ornamnets worn in hands.

Sirmaur Traditional Dress

Sirmaur is the southernmost district of Himachal Pradesh and is situated in the outer Himalayas known as the Shivalik range. Apart from the famous landscapes and temples, the Sirmaur district is fascinatingly amazing with various religious and cultural traditions. The traditional dressing style of Sirmaur is quite simple minimal. Most of the population of Sirmaur lives in villages and they hold the deep routed traditional culture and beliefs.

Women of Sirmaur usually wear salwar kameez. During winters, they wear woolen sweaters or pullovers. They also carry woolen shawls. To protect themselves from the chilly winds during winters, they cover their head with a square piece of headscarf called ‘Dhatu’.

Men of this district wear ‘Lohiya’ a long woolen coat and pair it up with a pajama. they wear a round cap/ ‘topi’ similar to ‘Kinnauri topi’.

Lahauli and Siptian Traditional Dress

Two previously separated districts of Lahaul and Spiti make the Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, both the districts were merged.  The Lahaul and Spiti district is located at the very high altitudes of Himachal Pradesh due to which, the districts are the coldest region of the Himalayas and have snow-covered mountains for almost six months of the year. The districts are enriched with different traditions and cultures and have unique dressing styles as well. woolen clothes are preferred due to the cold weather.

Lahaul Traditional Dressings: Men usually wear dark-colored woolen trousers with full- sleeves shirts known as ‘Kurti’. They also wear a very long and loosely fitted gown over the Kurti, locally termed as ‘Kattar’ which is mostly in the color black, white, or grey. A ‘Lahauli topi’ is worn to give the costume a complete look.

Women wear a long gown known as ‘Dugpo’ with fitted pajamas. The ‘Dugpo’ is tied at the waist using a sash.  The Lahauli women also wear a round cap like men which is a traditional ‘Lahauli topi’   and is usually in similar colors with not much design on it.

Siptians Traditional Dressings:  The costumes of Lahualis and Spitians are completely different from each other. The dresses of Spitians are made up of various materials and are named accordingly. The dresses of spitians are usually long loosely fit frocks or overcoats. If the frock is woolen it is locally named ‘Righoay’. If it is made up of goat or sheep fur it is named ‘Charlak’ and if made up of the skin of goat or sheep, it is named ‘Thakpa’. The frock/coat is paired up with tight warm pajama known as ‘Suthan’. To prevent form cold climate, the back and abdomen are tied with a ‘sash’ which is known as ‘Kira’. Sometimes, a silk or cotton frock is worn under the coat as well.

Women’s clothing has got similar names as men’s. The spitian women wear a ‘Tochay’ which is loose cotton made frock, and ‘Righoy’ a long woolen frock. The costume of spitians also includes a long full sleeves shirt with no collar and buttons called ‘Hoojuk’ and it is used to wear underneath the frock or coat.

The vibrant colored costumes of Spitians are paired with red or black pants and embroidered stoles locally named ‘Lingches’. Lingches are used to cover the back and neck and shoulders during winters. Finally, the layering is done by a ‘Lokpa’ which is a cape. A round cap with a green-colored band is used by both men and women. Dikra, Gau, Perak, Konta, Pichoon, and numerous other ornaments are worn by both men and women that make their attire unique and different from other regions.

Traditional Dresses of Various Other Districts of Himachal Pradesh

There are some other districts in the lower part of Himachal Pradesh that are equally famous for their culture and traditions. These districts are Hamirpur, Mandi, Solan, Kangra, Una, etc. the beautiful colorful dress of these districts is mostly very popular. The costume includes a long Kurta or shirt with a long ankle-length pleated skirt known as ‘Ghagri’. The Ghagri is usually red and the women wear this outfit during special occasions like weddings. A beautiful dupatta is carried over the head by women to complete the look.  The women also wear traditional jewelry like Maang Tika, a huge nose ring called ‘nath’ to beautify themselves.

The men usually wear pleated kurta which resembles a frock and pair it with ‘Suthan’ that is the pajama.

In regular practice nowadays, women chose to wear simple salwar kameez and use dupatta to cover their heads. And men usually wear kurta pajama and topi.

The districts of Himachal Pradesh are not yet influenced by the western culture completely as people truly follow their traditions and are deeply connected to the roots of Himachal Pradesh culture. However, some of the young generations have started following western dressing styles. Young men have started to wear shirts and jeans and young females go with skirts and tops. The traditional dresses are worn specifically during auspicious occasions and ceremonies. However, the true culture and creativity are found only in the traditional outfits of Himachal Pradesh.

Crafts and culture have an exceptional value in the states of India. No doubt, how many years pass away, but the ancestor’s culture will somehow continue generation after generation. Himachal Pradesh is among those states where people are very affectionate about its craft. Their difference in dressing form makes them unique among the nation. Pullas are also among those crafted hand creation which is used as footwear in the region. It is a particular type of footwear with a beautiful design that helps spread cultural vibes specialists for tourists. This post will look upon all the details about Pullas in Himachal Pradesh with their importance in the state.

What Are Pullas?

Pullas are also known as Himachali chappal or footwear. It is a handicraft product made by the people of the inner regions of Jalori and Bashley.

They make use of the natural fiber from the bark of wild trees to create the beautiful design of Pullas. The method of footwear is done by adding goat hair on the upper portion.

It helps in bringing more bright colours to the footwear. The base of Pullan is made with Bang fiber and bark.

The people of Himachal are very experienced in constructing the collection. It is available in varying sizes and acts as warm footwear for winter.

Why Should You Buy Pullas in Himachal?

Most places in Himachal are surrounded by snow. The primary purpose of tourists visiting the Himachal is to explore the beautiful hill stations and snow lands.

People living in the region used to wear Pullas for thousands of years. But, the only difference which arises in making Pullas is the beautiful design.

These handcrafted slippers provide much comfort to walk on the snow rather than artificial wear. It also gives a different experience of walking in the drizzle.

Therefore, people visiting the snow areas prefer to buy this product to lend them to the site’s environment.

There is also a religious belief in Hindu mythology of not wearing leather boots and slippers inside the temple. In such cases, Pullans can be a better option for tourists to walk inside the temple or any religious places without opening the shoes.

It is used mainly by monasteries and priests working on the temples. Being a natural product, it is regarded as the symbol of purity according to religious belief. Many royal families from the regional dynasty still used to wear Pullas on their houses rather than artificial slippers.

Materials Used for the Handcrafting of Pullas:

It is made with the help of stem, barks, hemp, grasses, etc. Some of the significant substances used for its practice includes the following:

• Marijuana stem fibers: The stem fiber is used to make the base of the slipper. It helps to provide rigid support to the body and protect from falling in the slippery region of ice.

• Jute base: It can also be used as an alternative for making the base. But, these are useful to walk in a dry region. It is best for protecting feet against cold. The only disadvantage of wearing jute type of Pullas is that it doesn’t get dried quickly.
• Bhang/Cannabis grass: The grass of this plant is used for designing the slipper. The dried form of grass doesn’t get decayed and lasts longer on the base of the slipper.

How Pullas Are Prepared?

The above resources are used for making the hand-picked product. These materials are present in abundant quantity in the upper valley of the state. People from these places transport this raw material to other regions of the state to sustain their livelihood. It is equipped in the following method:

• The grass of cannabis is cut and dried before stitching it into the Pullas. They are then rolled and stretched into long fibers to increase the tensile strength.
• These fibers are spun with the help of a spindle called Takli. It doesn’t break easily at the time of walking on snows.

• The bark is then given shapes of the foot with the help of traditional tools to make it fit into the legs. Different size of Pullas is available to sustain the demand of the population.
• In the end, wool is stitched on the top of the base to give a beautiful design to the slipper.

Different Varieties of Pullas in Himachal

• Jute Chappal pula: In this footwear, the woolen base remains the same, but the above layer of the slipper is made up of jute, which helps keep the leg warm in winter. It is mainly preferred to walk on dry grounds.
• Woolen pula: The same thing also applies in the making of woolen footwear, and the outer layer is stitched with woolen material to make it more beautiful. It is used for wearing in festive occasions celebrated on the state.

• Grass pula: It is the most robust material helpful to walk on ice. The bark used to make the slipper base is very strong and doesn’t let anyone slip on the ground. The design of the bottom planes kept little rough to increase fiction while walking on the snow.

Where Can You Buy Pullas?

Pullas are primarily sold in every market of Himachal Pradesh. It is the most widely wear material in the state. So, it is known to everyone staying in the region, especially in the upper areas of Himachali’s hills.

But, nowadays, the product is also available for purchase on e-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, and different regional online sellers of Himachal. People who have decided to travel to Himachal for spending holidays can also buy it from the beginning of the journey.

Final Words

The handcrafted product takes us much closer to the earthen culture. It is the reason why people choose it to get the same experience of living like the previous generation. The development of technology has taken humans very far from the old products. But, states like Himachal have still maintained their culture for hundreds of years to make the people remember the lifestyle of earlier days. Pullas in Himachal Pradesh are among such an exceptional product which people still prefer to buy to enjoy the cultural journey of history.

Pottery making is considered as one of the prestigious crafts which are continuous from various generations. A person can observe poetry making in several parts of India, including Himachal Pradesh too. When it comes to Himachal Pradesh, then there are numerous places where this practice is carried out. These places include Mandi, Kulu, Chamba, Kangra, and Shimla. These are the major places where one can observe the high pottery craft.

Numerous communities do the hard work in making the new clay products. However, it does not mean pottery crafting lost its importance. In addition to it, there are various occasions and rituals in which the pottery craft is required to perform. The community which does the pottery craft practice is known as the Kumhar’s. Moreover, a person who knows the art of pottery can make different products. Even they are also known for their unique and jaw-dropping creativity.

They make different sorts of things which are useful for the masses. These include flower vases, decorated items, storage items, pots, and so on. In addition to it, the craftsmen work according to the requirement of their customers, like which shape or which thing they want and so on. If a customer wants the God and Goddess’s idol, they also make it on the special demand. They colored those idols with different shades to make them appealing. Once they are ready, they look so attractive and eye-catching too.

Kawradu and Dhialu

In the festival seasons, the demand for craftsmen and their creativity is at the peak. It is because these idols have great importance in the festivals. Moving to the Kangra, craftsmen do this pottery craft and color it in the red and black shades. There are some special items which are famous for Kangra. These include Kawradu and Dhialu. These are the small pots that are used for producing the curds.

Months of Pottery Craft in Himachal

The work of pottery crafting is seasonal in Himachal Pradesh. When it comes to the summer season, then they practice the pottery craft between May and July.

On the other side, in the winter, the time of pottery crafting is November to January. The Kumhar’s receive several orders in the festive seasons. It is because at that time the demands of these kinds of products are at the peak.

In addition to it, Kumhar pays the obeisance to their potter’s wheel. They decorate them and perform the pooja. You will see the pottery craft in Himachal Pradesh, and the color of this craft attracts the majority of tourists.

Tools and Raw Material

Pottery craft is not an easy craft that usually masses think that it is. There are specific tools required to perform this practice. The major raw material which is used in pottery making is Clay. In addition to it, here is the list of some raw material and tools which are used in the pottery crafting.

• Clay- Important material
• Water- It is sprinkled on the clay for retaining the moisture.
• Thread- It is first dipped in the water; further, it is used to cut and separate products to the wheel.
• Colours- To give a colourful look to these products.
• Filter- For filtering the clay powder
• Wheel

Products

As mentioned earlier, pottery products are related to decorative items such as flower vases and so on. In addition to it, the products which are made in Kangra, you may found similar products in the other part of India. However, you can either observe the difference in the style or colour combination. The products include the waterpots, including the various cooking articles.

These kinds of items are used on a daily basis. In addition to it, you may also find the designer vase, idol, and so on, which are influenced by the pottery craft. Some specific clay products are highly in demand. In addition to it, here is the list of some specific clay products.

• Water pots
• Muggi
• Gharau
• Vinatage pots
• Diya
• Guluk and so on.

The water pots are used for storing the water and are known as the Garra. Further, Muggi is also preferred for carrying the water. On the other side, the third product mentioned in the above list is utilized for boiling the milk. In addition to it, penny banks are used especially by the children for saving money. These kinds of products are sold in the Palampur, Kangra, Dharamshala, and so on. You will get the numerous products of clays which are available in the different range.

Apart from it, due to modern technology, to some extent, the value of pottery products is decreasing with time. However, village Paudhana which is situated in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh tries to preserve this art. In addition to it, all they do is make different products of different sizes such as pots, vases, vessels, and so on. Even buyers come to the Solan, especially in this village, to purchase the pots and several other products.

The craftsmen do not use any modern technology in making the “Ghada” or the “Matka”. In addition to it, they are handmade. They mainly use the sancha or known as the template, knife, thapi, straps of small cloth, etc. In addition to it, there is a particular making process of making the pots which the craftsmen use for making the different products.

Undoubtedly, pottery-making art is unique and valuable. However, unfortunately, teenagers are not interested in learning this sort of essential art. Even they do not show interest in purchasing these kinds of products. On the other side, villagers used to sell clay products in fairs.

The inference of complete analysis is that promoting the pottery craft is a great way to preserve this art from extinction. Otherwise, the next generation will see the pottery craft in the museums. In addition to it, few of the masses know the importance of eco-friendly products while some like other products. It is essential to give the importance of that eco-friendly.

Options for Trendy Cane and Bamboo Furniture in Himachal Pradesh!

Are you on a sabbatical to Himachal Pradesh? Well, then you must take along the heritage art and craft items from splendid Himalayan regions. It is truly a heavenly abode blessed with spectacular flora, fauna, and extraordinary art as well as craft.

For years, Himachal Pradesh has been the home to skilled artisans, and it is a heritage passed on from generations over here. Every bit of art here is full of elegance and style. Lightweight and stylish-looking cane and bamboo furniture here are definite takeaways from this region.

With art moving in the veins and blood of ‘Pahadi’ Artisans, there are unlimited options to explore in terms of quality, style, and sturdiness of the items.

Cane and bamboo is an affordable substitute for wood which is constantly replenishing from the ecosystem of this world. Let’s sneak out on the top options for the cane and bamboo-based items, décor, and furniture accessible in the ‘land of God.’

Types of Bamboo and Cane Items in Himachal!

Strips of bamboo or care require minimum maintenance and are easily mouldable to convert into a distinct type of usable item for personal usage. Astonishing items that travellers usually take away from the Himachal tourist spots are Mats, Baskets, lampshades, trays, and handbags imaginatively knitted by the artisans. Every small item they create is full of precision and intricate detailing that takes away the sight of the visitors and buyers.

In the flooded streets of Shimla or Kullu Manali, you can easily find the cane and bamboo products that you can buy on your visit over here.

If you have an eye for full-size cane or bamboo furniture, there are handloom manufacturers who also provide home delivery with some shipping charges on them.

It is advisable to get acquainted with the additional sum to pay before buying big furniture from the shops.

Patio Furniture from Shimla!

Shimla is the most popular tourist destination of not just the Himachal but the entire country. Foreign tourists from all over the world get mesmerized on their visit to this amazing place.

Especially during the scorching summers, Shimla gives a soothing luxury retreat with panache to its visitors. Patio furniture, which is small and lightweight, is available here.

You can also get the customized patio options depending on your choice and usability. There is wide patio stuff to explore in Shimla that you invest in to adorn your garden areas.

And every product available here goes through multiple level stern quality checks so that purchasers can guarantee quality. Every artisan over here thoroughly goes through the smallest aspects of the patio items and delivers the items, which are surely par at excellence!

Cane Furniture from Prayagraj!

Yet another paradise in Himachal Pradesh is Prayagraj, where you are witnessing the charismatic existence of godly powers. It is a blissful place and a real Nirvana to disconnect you from the worldly chaos and get closer to the divinity of superpower.

Apart from this ‘House Of Ganges’ mythological significance, Prayagraj is also renowned for the wonderful cane furniture. Whether the cane is woven sofas or the chairs, the enchanting location offers a lot to its tourists.

Do you know that creating cane and bamboo furniture requires multiple stages for completion of the process? It is an intricate process that calls for extensive precision and finesse of work.

And is small items, the level of detailing is further high. Then the cane and bamboo cutouts get absorbed for hours in water to take away the moisture. Later the sticks get heated over the kerosene lamp, and a desirable shape or knitting is done to them.

Pahadi people utilize a specific tool known as ‘Mungri’ for the completion of this process. Even the other furniture parts get moulded in the same pattern and are bound evenly with the cane. After the process completes, the frame gets created, and the polishing part takes place using sandpaper.

What makes the cane and bamboo furniture of the Himachal unique?

Well, it is wholly the passionate efforts of artisans who continually strive to create multiple weavings and craft a fantabulous piece out of it. Whether it’s basketry, handbags, trendy conical baskets or comfy chairs, the artistry magnificence of Himachal is spectacular. Tourists prefer buying items such as outdoor chair, swing, outdoor sets, and tables from this region.

It is a sheer satisfaction to pay the right worth to the poor and extremely hardworking artisans who work as a motivational force. It is preferable to always rescue your purchase for the smallest vendors as they charge a minimal sum for the exemplary artwork at display by them.

The cane and bamboo furniture available here and accentuate the outdoor and indoor areas of your place. For the lovers of interesting artwork from cane and bamboo, this is the right place!

Innovation is at its best in Himachal Pradesh! With their years or generations of experience in the industry, the artisans of Himachal craft durable and long-lasting furniture at many reasonable prices.

You can also carry out a comparison to find more about the sustainability of these amazing cane and bamboo products. And there is a plethora of designs and sizes in which you can spot waterproof and portable furniture options over here.

Wrapping up

Do you wish to buy cane and bamboo furniture from Himachal Pradesh? Next type you are off for a vacation here, do take a glimpse at the interesting options for the classical cane items and the bamboo articles, including big-size furniture.

With a modern finish and regal look of the bamboo furniture, you can surely capture the sight of the visitors and gain a lot of compliments from all around.

The best part about purchasing cane and bamboo furniture from these areas is that distinct patterns and designs are available depending on the customers’ needs. You can also visit several manufacturers from Himachal Pradesh online and browse through several cane and bamboo items to buy the best ones!

Every state has a different sense of dressing that makes them unique from others. The clothing in any area is decided based upon the availability of resources (clothing material) and art methods. Himachal Pradesh is among the beautiful state in North India and famous worldwide because of its tradition of clothing and tourism. A journey to Himachal wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t take photos with a Himachali cap. This post will look upon depth details about the Himachali Cap in Himachal Pradesh, like Pahari and Kinnaur caps varieties, and some methods to identify them from ordinary caps.

The Specialty of Himachali Cap

Caps in Himachal Pradesh are thought to be a glorious crown. Locally, it is known as Kullu topi, Bushari topi, etc., based on location in India.

These Topi are an essential part of man’s clothing and act as a symbol for the residents of Himachal Pradesh. It is round in shape with a flat design on the top. Its design with a colourful border adds beauty to its pattern.

The portion covering the head is made of woollen yarn or cotton. But, most of the caps come in bright colours, which symbolize the resident of Himachal Pradesh. The price for the hats is based upon the quality of the material used for its preparation.

Types of Himachali cap in Himachal Pradesh

A slight change in the dressing culture varied significantly based on different districts of Himachal Pradesh. It, therefore, makes variations in the types of caps among the people living in other regions of the state.

Bushahri Cap

The speciality of the Bushahri cap is the design of the lappet. It goes from left to right with many foldings. This cap comes with a parrot green colour which symbolizes the state colour of Himachal Pradesh. It is made from Chino cloth material that is a special type of fabric found, especially in Himachal Pradesh.

The cap came into trend from the people of the Bushahr royal family who used to live in the state of Himachal in earlier days. The chief minister Birvadra Singh used to wear this cap which was the former chief minister of Himachal.

Kinnauri Cap

The name of this cap came from the region of Kinnaur in Himachal. The design of this cap is the same as the Bushahri cap, but it shares a bit different quality of the fabric used on the top layer. It doesn’t come in a parrot green colour.

The cap varieties are available in Crimson, deep red, and velvet colour with a channel stripe. But, now, as the ruling party BJP comes into control over the region of Kinnaur, people started thinking of it as support for the BJP party. Most party members used to wear caps of this design to show their support for the ruling party. People still wear different designs of this cap to add beauty to their clothing style in Himachal Pradesh.

Kulluvi Cap

 Kullu cap is worn by the residents belonging to the district of Kullu. It’s beautiful design attracts the people coming to Himachal to spend their holidays. This cap has gained importance to become the global icon for tourists visiting from other countries.

The lappet of the hat comes with multiple geometrical shapes and colours. The decorated design of the stripes adds beauty to the faces and gives them an identity of being Himachalian even for a short time.

Nowadays, these types of captures designed in western-style provide a beautiful look for the faces. The cap comes with a half and completes coverage of the forehead to add a different relapse to the fashion of Himachal Pradesh.

Lahauli Cap

As like the above, this cap is worn in the region of Lahaul in Himachal. The dimension of the cap seems to be the same as the above caps, but the only difference that it shares is a simple style. This cap doesn’t come with a lot of decorations like strips on the edges.

The lappet provided on the lid has a simple ornamental-coloured material with only one pattern. It can be the best choice of the cap for those who like standard colours. The quality of simplicity makes it unique from other Himachali caps.

How to Choose the Best Himachali Cap?

People who can identify the cloth used on the cap can easily catch the original product while buying. The following specification would help choose the best cap for your journey and give the identity of being an Himachalian.

•   Types of Yarn used: The speciality of the Himachali cap is the stripes on woollen. More than 2/16 woollen blends are worsted in the hat to give a thick covering looks in the forehead region.
•   Pattering: Except for the Lahaul cap, the rest of Topi comes with around 44 to 48 colour patterns on the single cap. They are well decorated with acrylic fiber that makes them unique among the group of caps. A person residing in the place can quickly identify if it is a Himachali cap or not.
•   Weight of the cap: There are no such specific criteria to distinguish caps based on weight, but because of the high ornamental decoration in the hat, it weighs around 100 to 200 grams. The rest depends upon the design and material used in the cap at the time of manufacturing.
•   Size chart: It is an important specification that should not be ignored while selecting caps. The types of caps differ based on the size of the forehead. The best part is that no unique, distinguishable character is taken care of for selecting caps based on gender.

 Final words

Clothes are an essential parameter in determining the identity of a person in India. The different States have something special and unique that makes them remarkable from other cultures. People following the ritual of clothing value their ancestors who thrived this civilization in their region. Himachali cap in Himachal Pradesh is among such identities that make people feel special inside any country.

Apart from being known due to its geographical location that provides an enchanting tourist destination, Himachal Pradesh is also popular for its handicrafts. And a popular one among them is the Kullu Shawls. Kullu Shawl is a commodity and has its roots grounded in the tradition and culture of the region.

These Shawls are known across the world for their manufacturing quality and warmth. Though popular all over the world as mostly a fashion statement, these warm and fine shawls are an important clothing article for the Kullvi people of Himachal.

Let us take a closer look.

History

Kullu shawls were initially made, before industrialization and outside influence, for just the purpose of covering the body of the Kullvi people living in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh and protecting them from the harsh cold that is common in the climate of the region. This was made possible due to different fur animals like the ox, sheep, etc., in the region.

These early shawls had dimensions that were required to cover the upper body and came in very minimal designs, mostly geometric patterns.

This was before the arrival of craftsmen from Bushahr in the 1940s. With the arrival of these craftsmen, this handicraft was turned into art. New, captivating designs and patterns started showing up on the shawls. The colours used became more vibrant to emphasize the shawls, though dull pastel shades are also popular.

These Shawls are worn by both men and women of the region. The shawls worn by men are typically called “Loi” or “Pattu”. They differ from the ones worn by women as they do not have any designs on them nor only have a few geometric designs on edge compared to those worn by women with beautiful floral patterns.

Manufacturing

Authentic Kullu Shawls are all handcrafted in handlooms using natural raw materials. The three main raw materials used for these beauties are Marino Wool (soft, long, and strong wool obtained from the sheep of the same name), Angora wool (made by combining sheep wool and angora rabbit hair), and Local Sheep wool. More different varieties are made by mixing these three.

They are also made from yak’s wool and Pashmina at times. Though, the local people mainly use these.

Handlooms and pit-looms are common in the houses of the people who make these shawls a part-time job or are full-time craftsmen. There are around 10,000 people who work part-time and 20,000 who make their livelihood by making these shawls.

Pit-looms were used at first for manufacturing Kullu Shawls, but after the rise of British rule handlooms were introduced into the community and many started to shift to this. Consequently, major production started taking place in handlooms.

Apart from being used for making shawls, the handlooms, and pit-looms in the houses of the locals are also used for their own requirements are producing some other commodities.

Role in the Local Economy

Kullu Shawls play a major role in the local economy of the region, as a vast majority of people who have inherited the skills from the past generations earn their daily bread from this craft.

The contribution of this handcraft is so seminal to the economy that the State Government provides many benefits to the craftsmen so that they do not face any difficulty in earning their livelihoods and can keep propelling the tradition forward.

The craft recently has to face a great challenge that is threatening the tradition and the people involved by giving them stiff market competition. One might wonder what is wrong with market competition.

Well, here is the deal. Kullu Shawls, as stated before, are handmade in handlooms or pit-looms, but recently some manufacturers, mainly from Ludhiana, have started manufacturing these shawls in factories. And as expected, these are not at all authentic Kullu shawls.

They sell them at the marketplace for lower prices with huge discounts, and people who don’t know any better, mainly tourists and online shoppers, are falling for such traps. As the authentic handmade Kullu shawls are often very expensive, with prices that can exceed 10,000 or even higher. But the more expensive ones are hard to find.

To prevent the negative impact this false competition is having on the local tradition and consequently the economy, the State Government has taken several measures.

But the most crucial among them is the introduction of something called the Geographical Indicator (GI). These are similar to hallmarks on gold and can only be used on those shawls manufactured in the valley itself and produced in the handlooms.

One can avoid falling for such traps by following some simple steps

• Do not be lured by huge discounts and low prices as authentic Kullu shawls are rarely sold at discounts and are not cheap. If you are buying one at a cheap price, chances are it is not original.
• Do not take the advice of your guide or driver if you are a tourist. This is because these people are paid large commissions from the fake manufacturers so that they lead the tourists to their shops. Better to ask the residents and local shops or vendors for the right place.

  

• Avoid making online purchases entirely or buy from well-renowned sites run by the original manufacturer’s guilds or cooperative welfare societies.
• Many authentic shop owners are part of legitimate societies, particularly dealing in such traditions and trades. Ask the shop owners if they are part of one.
• Ask the shop owners about the GI. But remember that only a few societies hold the GI, so it might not be a foolproof method.

Conclusion

As evident, Kullu Shawls are not only a commodity manufactured in the Himachal region for the profit of the people living there. These shawls are a part of their almost pristine culture, with each thread imbued with a rich tradition passed down the generations and will be for the generations to come. It is a mark of the Kullvi people, a speciality, something that sets them apart.

Himachal Pradesh is a wonderful place with a wide range of diversity in jewellery, artwork, crafts and canvas art! It is an imperial land with intricate craftsmanship and mesmerizing designs that could easily take your hearts of. Their lines, curves and strokes on the jewel chunks create a mesmerizing replica of their splendour and architectural wonder.

Rich jewellery works in Himachal are evident in its museums and other places where the regal skills are available. And the aspiring artists in this state are a heritage that passes on from generation to generations.

A Glance at the Miraculous Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh!

Most tourists and the foreigners coming for an expedition to this land of god get fascinated with the metal ornaments and designs here. The regions of Kullu and Chamba have several experts who represent the local designs and motifs in a spectacular state of the art.

Jewel chunks popular in these hilly regions are prominent amongst the daily accessories of the pretty women there. They wear beaded jewellery even with the charm of prestigious gold metal. The most popular jewellery pieces to spot in Himachal include pendants, amulets, necklaces, daggers, and many more. And a common thing that binds the entire art river over there is the royal lineage over there.

Silver Jewellery from Himachal Pradesh

Also known as the ‘Pahadi’ jewel chunks, no tourist can resist buying at least a piece of this marvellous jewel wonder from here. And they have peculiar names for every jewel piece listed below:

• Dodmala (Beaded necklace)
• Sabi (locket)
• Gal pattu (choker)
• Kangana (bangles)
• Balu (nose-rings)

These are the common jewellery items produced and manufactured by this state in the local and even international markets.

Styles of Chunks in Himachal Pradesh

Rajput

Himachal is best known for the tribal communities over here, and clothing is a prominent factor that distinguishes them from others. Along with that, they adorn beautiful ornaments that also grasp a Rajputana touch in them. This is maybe because Rajputs rule this state long back. You can, therefore, easily get a glimpse of Rajasthani style Meenakari work and green or blue enamels on the jewel pieces.

Tibetan

Jewellery in this state also gets its variation from the Tibetan regions as you can find a sight of flora and fauna from that place. And it depicts prominently in the sturdy iron-headed bangles, elliptical anklets, Peepal-leaf or hair ornaments, and the exclusive pendants. It is also a holy piece of jewellery as it is worn by their goddess of mountains, whom they believe in!

Other Popular Jewellery from Himachal Pradesh

Getting into the further details of the intrinsic jewellery art forms here, there are several elite chunks that you can treasure into your box at your next visit to Himachal. They are as below:

Shringar Patti

It symbolizes good luck and fortune for the married women, which they embellish on their forehead with grace. There is also a fringe at the side of the face with small geometrical shapes linked with each other beautifully. You can also spot the crescent or moon-shaped plaques with unique enamels that become of the centre of the forehead in some pieces.

 Chudamani

An epic ornament and prominently found headpiece is Chudamani that is of a lotus shape. It is worn after parting the hair and adds a wonderful look to your personality.

Kangan

You can wear it as a fashion accessory, but traditionally it is the plain shaped bangles that appear thin but broaden at the edges. Interestingly, these bangles are tactfully engraved into the elephant and tiger heads as well.

Choker

This necklace is also known as Kach, which includes several silver beads and two triangular plaques. And you can find it mainly in the Gaddi district, where women wear this silver jewellery on the forehead known as Chiri-tikka. It refers to a bird in the regional language.

Khul-kantaie

Another amazing piece of jewellery to explore in Himachal Pradesh is the common ornament adorned by the married women over there. It comprises multiple large earrings that hang down over their ears through the strap of a single cloth. You can check it out and take one along towards the return journey.

Mulmentho

Next popular piece of jewellery available here is the mulmentho that includes two-joined chains and several pipals shaped pendants.

Chandramalang

You can also buy a beautiful and authentic long ‘Pahadi’ necklace known as Chandramalang. It has several silver beads and exceptional designs that you wish to treasure for a lifetime.

Certain areas in the state have a strong influence on the Tibetan culture, such as in Lahaul and the Spiti valley. You can mainly find ornaments made of precious stones such as amber, coral, mother of pearl and coral. All these undergo a wonderful amalgamation to result in an exceptional and designer jewel chunk that you can adorn. Most women here believe in Buddhism and embellish themselves with the three precious gems that connect them to the culture.

Growth of Jewellery Sector in Himachal Pradesh

With so much diversity in terms of jewellery styles, designs, options and a regional touch, it is a delight to invest in their art. And most tourists visiting there never out a purchase of some jewellery items as a souvenir for their loved ones. Ranging from the finest jewellery arts from the era of Maharaja to the traces of Buddhist culture rooted over there, you get an exceptional variety to choose from.

If you explore the local markets in Shimla and Manali, which are offbeat and located by the ways, there is a better chance to get these chunks at discounted rates. While Mall Road is amongst the costliest area of the towns, you might get lucky to get some hot deals on jewellery or maybe bargain well to fetch the best rates.

On the whole, it is surely a ‘Not to be missed’ art form from this wonderful state where workers take their hearts off to depict the majesty of the region through the jewellery items. The charm, elegance and beauty of gold or silver ornaments here are beyond your imagination. Do allure yourself with the mystical jewel pieces of this splendid location where tourists have a lot more to explore apart from hilly roads and spectacular sights!

Paintings are enriching forms of art that possess the capability to reveal numerous things in a single frame. India has a rich culture with a very deep background in paintings. Various forms of paintings have come up from the different eras of Indian history. And the legacy continues, which with full vigour has still maintained traditional techniques to bring wonderful masterpieces. With all these things said, Himachal Pradesh is one of those states in India where paintings are utterly famous.

With its borders sharing with Kashmir and Tibet, there is an efficient amalgamation of various cultures, which has deliberately shown its outcome via paintings. There are three famous schools of paintings and art, namely the Chamba, Kangra, and Gompa. All these schools shares related thoughts regarding paintings and art. There is always an evident fusion of colours with detailed miniature figures, which can be seen with every painting. Among all the forms, the miniature paintings of Himachal Pradesh are one of a kind. These paintings are known as Pahari Paintings of Himachal Pradesh.

Pahari Paintings (Miniature Paintings)

This form of painting is one of the oldest forms of painting discovered in Himachal Pradesh. The Pahari painting form can be dated back to the 17th century BC.

It is near during the era of Rajput. There is an evident touch of Rajasthani culture in the old paintings which shows that they were influenced from the Deccan or the eastern side of India like Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.

These vibrant paintings usually covered themes of love and devotion, most of the figures and diagrams in these painting depicted verses from Puranas and epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. It also included scenes that aligned with the folk songs and devotional songs of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.

History of Miniature Pahari Painting

These miniature paintings have their base from the 17th to 19th century; history says that there was a powerful bond between the Rajasthan rulers and the Pahari Rajas, which resulted in the formation of such beautiful paintings which has a touch of the western side of India and are also claimed to be done by the Rajputs of that era. The paintings also show a clear depiction of poetry scenes written by the Hindu and Sanskrit poets of those times. These forms of painting were practiced hugely in the Pahari regions like the Himachal and Arunachal. With time, during the end of the 19th century, the miniature paintings started to lose their colour. These started happening mainly because of the political wars and the dynasties getting uprooted.

Styles of Miniature Pahari paintings

Based on the geographical presence, these miniature paintings can be divided into two categories:

• Claimed to be based on Chaurpanchasika style, the first category comes up, which is the Basholi and Kulu style.
• The second category covers the paintings which used soft colours, thus the Guler and Kangra style. There is a famous miniature painting, ‘Devi Mahatmya Manuscript’ found in Kangra.

Types of Miniature Paintings in Himachal Pradesh

#1. Basholi Paintings

It is a mainly distinguished because of the use of bright, vibrant colours along with enamel which is glossy enough to provide a different artistic look. These paintings have their origin in Basholi, a town located in the riverbank, or Ravi in Himachal Pradesh. There have been numerous series of Devis and other Goddesses upon whom the paintings were generally made. The geometrical patterns on these Basholi paintings are splendid.

#2. Bilaspur Paintings

Bilaspur paintings have their origin from Bilaspur, a town in Himachal were among the oldest form of Pahari paintings, which dates back to the mid of the 17th century. The paintings mainly had depictions from Puranas, the epics of India, the Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Apart from those, the paintings illustrated various ceremonies and rituals as well.

#3. Chamba Paintings

These paintings of Chamba have a similar form style to Basholi. These miniature paintings have a Mughal touch in them and are also inclined towards the culture of the Deccan and Gujarat.

#4. Garhwal paintings

The miniature paintings in Garwhal also dominated the Mughal traditions but later inculcated the styles of Kangra.

#5. Guler Kangra Style Paintings

These miniature paintings of Himachal Pradesh generally showcased the beauty of Indian women. The paintings have distinct human features and facial expressions, which also included vibrant landscapes. The oldest painting can be dated back to the early 18^th century.

#6. Jammu Paintings

These miniature paintings followed the styles used in the paintings of Kangra. These paintings originated during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries.

#7. Jasrota Paintings

 These paintings mainly had many figures in them, depicting the courtrooms, any events, or ceremonies, etc. These paintings were mainly found in Jammu and Kashmir regions.

#8. Kullu Paintings

It is another type of miniature painting found in Himachal Pradesh that illustrated scenes from Puranas.

#9. Mandi Paintings

When Raja Singh was the ruler, Mandi saw the birth of a new form of painting. These paintings showed portraits of kings with huge hands and limbs, which was significantly different from other paintings.

#10. Manko Paintings

These are paintings of the mid 17^th century. These showed a good similarity with the painting style of Basholi, which used vibrant colours. Later years witnessed the paintings to have lighter colours and fewer figures and portraits.

#11. Nurpur Paintings

These miniature paintings of Himachal contained bright colours with mundane backgrounds, generally emphasizing the subjects and figures present in them.

The miniature paintings of Himachal Pradesh were one of a kind, the various forms which it showed depicted the varied artistic techniques which were used to create those masterpieces. The paintings from these different regions had many things in common as well as had a different touch as well which eventually makes all of them unique in a way. These miniature paintings of Himachal Pradesh are famous over the nation and even abroad. The essence of these paintings has lived long years and will certainly remain immortal in the future as well.

 

Himachal Pradesh does not only recognize for its scenic beauty but also for the unique art. Right from jaw-dropping views to eye-catching art, everything is great in Himachal Pradesh. Due to this reason, it becomes a popular tourist destination.

The tourists can easily observe their art in various forms. These forms include drawings, in Chamba Rumal and so on. The delicate design of Chamba Rumal grabs the attention of the tourists. There is no comparison between the simple hankies and the Chamba Rumal. When it comes to simple handkerchiefs the masses use them on the daily basis.

On the other side, Chamba Rumal is not like the normal Rumal. They are too rare and have numerous designs. This Chamba Rumal represents the Himalayan embroidery and their craft traditions. In addition to it, this Rumal gets its name from the Chamba. Along with it, Chamba is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh and at this place; peoples have been practised for centuries. In the 2nd century BC ago, it was considered the most ancient destination in the state.

About the Chamba Rumal

This region got popularity from its history, landscapes, and architecture. In addition to it, their local community is also gain name and fame from their hearts and crafts especially in the Pahari Paintings.

From the 17th century, the Pahari School of art got the designation of royal patronage. Moreover, no doubt, miniature Pahari paintings are available in different forms. However, the idea of needlework of the Chamba Rumal got from the art movement.

The embroidery on the Chamba Rumal is a great combination of miniature art and embroidery. In addition to it, the shapes of these Rumals are either square or rectangular.

The base art is designated by the intricate lines. The miniature art experts draw these intricate lines. After the completion of art, the work of embroidery is done by the women. The embroidery is done on the fabric.

The Appearance of Chamba Rumal

Further, a great example regarding this kind of embroidery can be observed in Punjab. The sister of Sikh spiritual leader Guru Nanak who is Bebe Nanki reported about the embroidered one in the 16th century. In addition to it, this is item was kept in the Hoshiarpur Shrine.

Moreover, another handkerchief appeared in Britain in 1883. It is a time when Raja Gopal Singh represented the Chamba Rumal to the British. In addition to it, that Chamba Rumal had the embroidery of the Mahabharata scene. After that, it was added to the collection of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.

Uses of Chamba Rumal

Back in the 17th century, queens and royal ladies of Chamba embroidered the Chamba Rumal. Further, they used it in the wedding dowries, for gifting to their kith and kin, and various ceremonial coverings.

After that, the local craft clusters have been started their practice. Even, these Rumals become the crucial part of weddings. The families of brides and grooms exchange these Rumals at the marriage ceremony.

It indicates the sign of Goodwill. The pleasing colour schemes enhance their value and attract the majority of the masses.

Registration of Chamba Rumal

The Chamba Rumal was registered especially for the protection. It is under the Geographical Indication of the TRIPS agreement. The term TRIPS is known as the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights. Moreover, on the date of 22 January 2007 this product was listed as the “Chamba Rumal which is under the GI Act 1999 of the Government of India.

In addition to it, the registration of the Chamba Rumal was confirmed by the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks. This registration was done under classes 24 as the Textile and Textile goods, vide application number 79.

Process of Making Chamba Rumal

It is also named the “needle wonder”. The Chamba Rumal is available in mainly two shapes that are square and rectangular. Moreover, different materials are used in the production of the Chamba Rumal. These materials include muslin, khaddar (it is a kind of coarse fabric), malmal, and silk threads without having knots, and so on.

The faces of the cloth are stitched with the help of the forward and backward technique and they use the double satin stitch. In addition to it, the main purpose of using this technique is for maintaining the uniformity of the designs on both faces of Rumal. Once the embroidery is completed, then the fabric is stitched by the border of near about 2 to 4 inches on all equal sides.

Apart from it, women embroidered the great ornamental patterns with the help of untwined thread. This kind of thread is made from silk which production occurred in the Sialkot which is in Pakistan, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. In addition to it, the embroidered technique which they use is also known as either the dohara tanka or the double satin stitch. This method comes from Kashmir and after that, it was adopted in Chamba and Basholi.

Chamba Rumal has a unique kind of art that represents different things. The unique art of this Rumal creates the wall of difference between the simple Rumal and this one. There were numerous painting styles which were influenced by the Chamba Rumal.

However, this artwork lost its importance and its patronage. Further, their quality was ruined because of the commercialization. This is because they are making several varieties of things. These things include table clothes, clothing, cushion covers.

In addition to it, several machines manufactured this kind of products but there is a huge difference between the handwork and machine work. To large extent, this great artwork did not get the importance which was it deserve. The needlework, embroidery, and unique designs make the Chamba Rumal different from the others.

In the end, the above-mentioned information is all about the Chamba Rumal which is fruitful for you. In addition to it, you can also search the more details about the Chamba Rumal. You will get plenty of information right from its existence to lose its value. The Chamba Rumal was also a sign of royalty and used on several prominent occasions like marriages as part of the dowry.

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