Himachal Pradesh is known for its rich cultural heritage, and its traditional arts and crafts are an essential aspect of it. The state’s art and crafts include Chamba Rumal, Miniature Paintings, Metalcraft, Jewellery, and Stone Carving.
Chamba Rumal
Chamba Rumal is a type of embroidered handicraft that is considered a needle wonder. It is a popular wedding present with intricate patterns in bright and pleasant colour schemes.
Miniature Paintings
Miniature Paintings in Himachal Pradesh are done in a somewhat naturalistic style, and the vigour of the line is toned down and takes on a lyrical aspect. The colour palette is softer, with noticeable freshness in colour and delicacy in execution, especially in Guler-Kangra schools.
Metalcraft
Metalcraft in Himachal Pradesh is primarily religious, with metal statuettes being one of the most important components in many of the state’s temples. The artisans have been practising the skill of creating unique metal artwork since the 6th century, and their work is considered exceptional.
Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh
Jewellery in Himachal Pradesh is both unique and diverse, with chunky beads and metal jewellery being prevalent in the region. The state’s fine jewellery is typically made of silver and gold, and Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, and Kullu District jewellers were well-known for their enamelling abilities.
Stone Carving
Stone Carving in Himachal Pradesh is an important aspect of the tourism industry, with a specific variety and style of stone carving seen in the production of huge structures and other items made of stone. The state has a wide range of stones used in stone crafts, with sandstone being the most commonly used. Himachal Pradesh’s traditional stone craft centres are Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Chamba, and Kullu. The Bataihra or Batada community is skilled at stone carving.
Himachali Cap
The Himachali topi is a colourful cap that is an integral part of the state’s cultural attire. Originally designed to protect against the chilly winter winds, it has become a symbol of the state and is mandatory attire during marriages, festivals, religious rituals, fairs, and other local events. The cap is typically decorated with a brooch, peacock feathers, marigold flowers, or tassels of dried Himalayan Brahma Kamal flowers. Monal feathers were previously used to adorn the topi but are no longer used due to the bird’s endangered status. The topi is most commonly worn in Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and other high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh. It is considered the best souvenir or gift to represent the state.
Kullu Shawl
Kullu is famous for its shawls with geometrical and floral patterns. They are woven with bright colours and come in Sheep Wool, Angora, Pashmina, Yak Wool, and handspun materials. The price of the shawls depends on the quality of the wool used and the number and width of the designs. Pashmina shawls are costly because of the labour-intensive process required to sift fine pashmina fibre.
Pulla
Pullans are a type of grass shoe made from fibres obtained from the bark of a wild bush called Bhang (Cannabis sativa Linn.). They are popular handicrafts in the Jalori and Bashleo pass regions of the upper reaches of Inner and Outer-Seraj. The pullan’s top part is made of goat hair and is embroidered with colourful thread designs, while the bottom is made of Hemp fibre.
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