Isolated as they are, due to the high altitudes, the people of Himachal Pradesh are by and large, self-contained and have developed through the years a rich tradition of handicrafts, totally original and distinctive. These range from wood-work to leather embroidery, metal wares to carpets and woolen textiles. New designs are being added to the traditional ones and new markets. both in India and abroad, are being discovered. Carpets Brilliant hues, dragons, a garuda on a flowering tree and swastikas for luck are traditional patterns found on carpets from Himachal Pradesh. Sometimes, the weaver may capture the delicacy and color of spring flowers on his carpets. Traditional symbols like the flute, castanets, fish a ornate knots are also woven into carpet patterns. All these symbols carry a meaning behind them--flutes signify happiness, the lotus signifies purity. Most highlanders use carpets for furnishing. Even their sturdy ponies have colorful carpet saddles. 'Chuktu', a blanket, is actually a modified version of a carpet. Some of the earliest carpets were made by weaving four strips about nine inches wide and sewing them together afterwards. Ready-made Garments, Accessories and Dolls Himachal Pradesh with its sturdy hill people is well-known for its centuries old costumes and other garments. The 'Gujjar' folk have a unique mode of dress, quite different from the usual woolen sarees and gowns worn by the rest of Himachali women. Gujjar men and women alike, wear a cotton shirt known as "Kurta". Delicately embroidered with circular and linear patterns, the 'Kurtas' are in deep colors. Interestingly enough the lines and circles on the Kurta symbolize milk, and the dark background the color of the buffalo. The Chamba folk are extremely fond of adornment. Head scarves are worn by the women, and these are usually of bright printed cotton and knotted at the back. Bangles and rings made of horse-hair are the typical accessories worn by the Chamba women. To climb blithely over the rocky hill-sides, the people wear sturdy grass shoes, comfortable and warm inside and brightly patterned on the outside. The local traditional costumes are reflected in the exquisite dolls made by the Himachalis. These beautiful and life-like figurines lend charm to modern environs. Shawls Shawls are a specialist of Himachal Pradesh. In summer, the wild Himalayan goat sheds its fleece on the high mountains. From this, the hill people spin and weave exceptionally fine and valuable shawls during winter, when the fields are covered with snow. Most notable of these is the soft Pashmina Shawl made from the hair of the Pashmina Goat. The exquisite shawls of the Himachal are both plain and designed. The colour of these, largely depend upon the wool, is mixed. The right mixture can result in beautiful greys, blues, mustards and blacks. If the designs of the Himachal Shawls are varied, so are also the methods of wearing them. Every district has improvised its style of drapping the shawl, the most popular styles being 'Dhobroo' and 'Patti'. Movement in embroidery! The Chamba embroiderer has captured it on his rumals. It may be mischievous Krishna at his pranks stealing butter, or dancing with Radha. It may be a lamenting women parted from her lover, or people frolicking at a local fair. All are worked in fine detail with vivid silks and in contrasting colours. The art of embroidery is largely based upon the indigenous Kangra and Chamba schools of paintings. The stitches are so close by, spaced that no gaps are visible. The word 'Rumal' may conjure up visions of a handkerchief to the layman but to the Chamba people, it is a form of adornment. Men drape these colourful embroidered rumals over their shoulders and the women use them as flowing veils. A Chamba rumal is such a priceless possession, that a bride's trousseau would be incomplete without it. Today, Chamba rumal are also used as wall-hangings, door and fire screens, cushion covers while the designs have been adopted for table cloth and bed-spreads. Leather Craft The origin of the present Chamba Chappal makes a very interesting story. An English adviser to the Raja of Chamba State wanted a pair of Chamba Chappals. But the original pattern was too heavy and uncomfortable, so he designed his own chappals and explained to the local cobbler exactly how they should be made. But the chappals eventually produced were nowhere like the ones he had in mind. They were better. The open toe and the partly woven vamp proved exceptionally comfortable and light, and worn with leather socks were ideal for walking and hiking. The Chamba Chappal has survived till today, plain as well as embroidered with Lanthana flowers, leaves and other belt which the locals use to lend glamour to their dresses. Today, in keeping with the modern trends, new varieties and designs of leather goods have been added to the traditional list, fancy shoes, sandals, embroidered leathers, socks and belts. Paintings Himachal Pradesh is the home of the Chamba and Kangra schools of painting--well reputed in the world of art for their excellent portrayal of court and romantic scenes blending of colours and minute details of figures. But there is yet another school of painting that survives in Himachal--the Gompa School. It is Buddhist in origin and at one time was limited only to the Buddhist monasteries. Gradually however, some of the romantic influences of the Chamba and Kangra schools seeped into the Gompa style. New local craftsmen have incorporated the Gompa art of painting into contemporary patchwork pictures. Rugs and Namdas High on the Himalayan reaches of Himachal, the hill-folk rear sheep and goats for the famous wool and hair that goes into the making of traditional blankets, rugs and namdas. Gudma is the name given to the fleecy soft blanket that is made from the wool of Giangi sheep. Gudma weaving is mainly done in the Giabong and Kullu valleys, as these areas have special kind of clay which is used for cleaning and finishing a Gudma. The Gudma usually comes in natural wool colours finished with a warm red or black edging. Thobis (Floor coverings) and Kharcha (a mattress) are made from goat hair, while 'Pattoo' cloth, carpets and yarn are made from the soft wool sheep. Of more recent origin is the making of namdas of floor coverings. These are made by felting the wool and then embroidering on it. This looks really attractive and gives greater wear to the namda. Some typical designs are Himachal flowers and animals. Woodcrafts and Wicker works Amidst the abundant pine and deodar forests of Himachal also grow walnut, horse chestnut, wild black mulberry and birch--the basic material for Himachal woodcraft. Woodcraft is an ancient traditional art prized for its delicacy and detail. Ancient treatises have been written on the subjects of carpentry and carving on wood. Wood workers occupied an esteemed-place in society for they made the chariots for the warriors, and also drove them. Evidence of Himachal woodcraft is to be found in old buildings-on seats, doors, windows and panels. Most notable was the Vice-regal Lodge at Shimla with its beautifully carved ceilings and panels. The present day wood work displays all the intricacy of the old. The main objects of work are fruit-bowls, beer mugs, wooden jewellery and carved images, both romantic and mythological in origin. All along the crystal clear streams of Himachal grow the bamboo and the willow. When winter approaches, the hill people strip the bamboo. And when the country-side is blanketed with snow they sit around cosy fires and fashion intricate and sturdy bowls, trays and baskets out of the dried bamboo. Oval-shaped, lotus-shaped or egg baskets with tall graceful handles are some of the typical basket patterns of Himachal Pradesh. Metalcrafts and Jewellery
Matalcraft is one of the most ancient and developed crafts of Himachal Pradesh. The traditional metals are pure copper and silver. Local craftsmenship in casting, ornamenting and engraving, show great skill, delicacy and taste. Legend has it that Sita, in the great Indian epic, the Ramayana wore jewelled butterflies and other precious ornaments in her hair and that these types of ornaments were made by the silversmiths of Himachal Pradesh. Jewellery is still a popular product of the Himachal silversmiths. And although the designs are still traditional, the ornaments are lighter and more practical. Modern innovations in the crafts include the making of intricately carved silver lamp stands, tea pots, wine or butter cups and metal sculpture. These follow indigenous shapes and are decorated with finely carved patterns, which in addition to the local flora and fauna, depict stories from the epics. For more information about Handicrafts & Handloom and Himachal Pradesh tour packages, for more information contact Swan Tours one of the leading best travel agency in India.
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1. Salooni Chamba is surrounded by places of interest to the enterprising tourist and special look-out points, commanding panoramic views abound on all sides. The river Ravi rises in the snow-peaks of Bara Bangahal in Chamba, and the river Beas from a glacial lake near Rohtang. The last snow range is DhaulaDhar running parallel to the PirPanjal, south of it. Both these ranges enclose the attractive Kullu Valley. The Beas cuts a fantastic gorge through DhaulaDhar at Larji. A smaller and more or less continuous range about 2,000 metres (6,561 ft), high runs south of the snowy ranges, Salooni, at a height of 1,829 metres (6,000 ft) and 56 km from Chamba, offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the snow-covered hills and peaks. Situated at the top of a ridge and opening into the Bhandal Valley, this scenic spot of great beauty leads also to Bhaderwah. 2. Bhandal Valley For lovers of wild life, this beautiful spot 22 km from Saloon' and linked to it by road, offers a wonderful opportunity for a pleasant week-end. The Bhandal Valley, at a height of 1,831 meters (6,006 ft) links Chamba with Jammu & Kashmir. 3. Bharmaur-Ancient Capital Travelling eastwards along the Ravi, one comes to the ancient capital of Chamba, Bharmour, at a height of 1,981 meters (6,500 ft) and 69 km from the new capital. Linked by a road, 46 km are motorable, while 21 km are jeepable. Capital of the state for 400 years, Charmour possesses ancient temples built in the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries. Built in the Shikhara style with a spire, the ancient Pahari architecture fascinates, as does the friendliness of the people. River terraces in Chamba, are developed between 1,000 and 2,000 meters and hence fairly well populated. The people, called Chambials, are very fair complexioned and have attractive features. Indeed, some think them to be the most beautiful race in India. From Bharmour it is an arduous trek over high mountains to the beautiful lake known as Mani-Mahesh where thousands of devout pilgrims gather year after year to offer puja on festive occasions. At an altitude of 4,267 metres (14,000 ft) and 34 km from Bharmour, Mani-Mahesh, Shikhara style temple is one of the most ancient and beautiful in all Himachal. Suggestion Article : Route Information on Delhi to Himachal Pradesh road trip 4. Sarol—Aplan Retreat Just 11 km from Chamba is a remarkable picnic spot where, along with beautiful Agricultural gardens and a Sheep Breeding Farm, there is a Bee-keeping Centre. The honey from the apiary is delicious. To reach this charming spot one has to travel 8 km by bus and the rest on foot. 5. Killar Killar, 137 km north east of Chamba is situated in the deep and narrow gorge of the Chenab river. It can also be reached through the Sach pass. Here you are in the high Himalayas, in the scenic beauty of the valley. It isthe desire of many a hardy trekker to visit these lands of pretty faces, beautiful dances and scenic splendour. From Killar one can trek north west to Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir or turn east about half way to Kishtwar and cross Umasi La Pass into the Zanskar valley. One can also takt south east trek to Keylong and Mandi and while trekking Killar to Lahaul one will come across a very beautiful place, Purthi known for one of the best forest nursuries and historical - Rest House on the right bank of Chandra Bhaga. There are many Rest Houses managed by PWD and Forest Department at reasonable distances in the entire Pangi Valley. For more information on Himachal Pradesh holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place. All the fun of the fair, mixed with the music of the Sitar, Sarangi and Drum is the order of the day practically every other month of the year in this happy high attitude state when the air resounds with the bells of the exuberant dancers and the strains of immortal and haunting Pahari melodies. Himachal Pradesh Holiday Packages organized by Swan Tours cover all the important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The Kullu and Kargra valleys hold some of the most picturesque fairs and religious festivals in India, when all worries and cares are thrown to the winds and God is praised in melody and music for all His meritorious gift rendered to His people. The magical power of the Himalayas is an indefinite blend of myth and reality; the silvered heights etched against the sky, towering over dark gorges stately pine forests and manicured tea gardens in an atmosphere redolent with the history of battles both between the gods and the mere mortals who fought to defend the 'Valley of the Gods', and charm and reality to the festivals, making even the unbeliever pause and reconsider his ideas. Early in the year, five to six thousand people flock to the Shivratri fair to pay homage to Shiva in the month of February - March. Near the lovely town of Pelmet', in the Kangra Valley Is Nougat Khad, a 300 metros wide chasm through which the Bandla stream goes roaring through in the form of a gushing torrent in monsoon. A short drive from hero is Baljnath where the main Kangra Valley seems to end and where is situated the Vaidyanath temple, the remarkable features of which are the Proportions. The inter-relationship of sculpture and architecture in this shrine is of great artistic value. Here and at Sarbari and Kung Darwar is held the great Shivaratri Fair. Shortly after Shivaratri in March April Is the festival of Holi celebrated with great gusto all over India, but in Himachal the air of the verdant wood lend eclat to the event filled with joyous songs and dances, all over the valley, but especially at SujanpurTira and Hamirpur, where from 5 to 10 thousand gather with gay abandon setting even the air aflame with a riot of colour, song and dance. Holi is over but the spirits are still boisterous and something has got to give--so in all their wisdom of the hills; the people of the Kangra valley arrange wrestling matches at Salina and the tea gardens of Palampur. Here, between March-April muscle is matched with music and melody. On the same day, at Khannihara and Kanrgra besides the wrestling is a beauty parade--of all the prize cattle of the country. Both the cattle show and the wrestling matches at all four places, attract from 5 to 10 thousand people. # Festival Fair Nawratri The most important visit during best of Himachal tour is to the golden domed temple of the goddess of Jwalamukhi, perched on a rocky cliff, 30 km (18.6 miles) from Kangra, is the venue of a 9 day festival fete and fair in April when 5,000 gather both at Kangra and at the temple to honobr the Goddess of the Enternal Flame. The fairs in Kullu and Kangra valleys are the most lively, thousands come down from the mountain top villages in colourful costumes. Also at the same time as the Jwalamukhi Fair is the Minjar Meta held on the banks as the Ravi 'the vale of milk and honey' --Chamba - on approximately the same dates. The 'merrie month of May' is the time to rejoice in the gorgeous spring weather when the heart is young. Now is the time when the farmer's heart swells with pride as he looks at his stock of fine cattle-show--off to market for the cattle show held at the Bhikashah Fair in the towns of Bhawarna and Palampur, in May, and attracting people in thousands. # Nagini Fair of Naga Panchimi When some careless person inadvertently or otherwise kills the mate of a snake, the female can assume any form and go out in search of the killer. She is indestructible and does not rest till her aim is achieve. At the towns of Nagini and Nurpur, in August are held fairs to propitiate the Goddess Nagini--the Snake Mother. This fair, full of haunting music, attracts about five thousand at both places. #The Dal Festival About 11 km (7 miles) from Dharamsala is the picturous Dal Lake not as large as its namesake, but certainly with as much charm of its own: nearby is the popular shrine of Bhagsunath, not far off from a small lovely waterfall. Here, in september, around 5,000 devotees take ritual baths both in the Dal Lake and the Bhagsunath Springs. After ablution, comes salvation leading to elation which manifests itself in song and dance. #Festival of Bawan - Dwadash The monsoon has ended, every leaf, every blade of grass is shining and glowing in the crisp salubrious air of September. Obviously it is time to celebrate with a fair. The venue is nahan, overlooking dense forests and deep ravines and perched on an isolated ridge of the Siwalik Hills at a height of 900 meters (2,959 ft). The festival is Bawan - Dwadashi, when 52 idols are taken in a procession to lake and immersed. #The Fabulous Dussehra Festival The months of October bring great joy to the heart of every Hindu--this is the time to celebrate the victory of good over evil. I n Himachal, with its 2,000 temples and numerous village deities, it has a deeper meaning. The gods have been kind, the year has been good. For nine days in October the air is replete with mirth, music and song. Thousands flock to Kullu, Jwalamukhi and Chamba where there are special festivals, fairs and fetes to worship Lord Raghunath and mark the destruction of Ravan--the demon king. The Lord Raghunath reigns supreme and all the other gods pay him homage as he comes in his gorgeously decorated pIanquin. On one side of the fair, at Kullu, the planquin of a local god sways from side to side and the men trying to still its movements seem helpless. The god is angry, or wishes to unburden himself of some important bit of news - the people crowd around oscillating sacred craft to hear. Suddenly a priest places his hand on the poles to still it and goes into a trance and begins to mumble words at first inarticulate, then clear and vibrant- he has become the mouthpiece of the god.
"It will not rain early this year because the people have become wicked". “The fruit crop will be good." A voice asks" "When shall I be able to complete my house?"..As soon as you return the pound of nails, your father stole from the temple", Is the prompt reply. Booths are set up at this, the largest of all fairs in Himachal, and joy reigns unconfined. In November a fair is held on the banks of the lovely Renuka Lake, short distance from Nahan. This enchanting spot is named after Renuka, who was slain by her son Parashuram in obedience to his father, the sage Jamadagni, but again restored to life. The fair celebrates her immortality. In the same month, thousands flock to the Trade Fair of Lavi in Rampur in November. On a smaller scale, but just as colourful, are the Seri Melas held at Kunihar and Mashobra in the Mahasu district, with their exciting. For more information on tourism in Himachal Pradesh contact Swan Tours, one of the leading tour operators in Connaught place. |
AuthorSwan Tours one of the leading travel agnets in India Archives
January 2018
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