Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its varied art and craft forms due to its topographical distinction from the rest of the country. Its famous art and craft reflects the traditions of the state in Handicraft and Handloom depicted in its varied art and craft forms. They also reveal the immaculate craftsmanship of artisans. Some of the well-known art and craft products of Himachal include shawls both Kinnauri and Kullvi, wood crafts, metal craft, embroidery, textiles, rugs and carpets.
These products are not just used and worn by the locals but also have sizeable and ever-growing demand among the tourists flocking the state and abroad. To further promote and make such products easily accessible, the State Government has decided to setup ‘Khadi Plazas’ at Shimla and Mandi districts which besides Khadi products, will also shelf the other products. Directions have been issued to the concerned authorities to prepare and submit the complete proposal in this regard to the Government and seek consultancy from expert agencies. These Plazas will become the source of income generation apart from providing marketing facilities to rural artisans and entrepreneurs.
“The Khadi Board is facilitating sheep rearers in rural areas and horticulturists, particularly in tribal areas with the facility of wool spinning and machines for extracting Khumani seed oil at their doorsteps through Khadi centers benefitting the stakeholders associated with this sector”, said Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme, the State Khadi Board has distributed a subsidy of Rs. 14.34 crore to 383 units in the State. The project cost of these units is Rs. 57.36 crore, which have created 3,064 employment opportunities to the youths of the State.
The extremely cold climate in Himachal Pradesh requires people to be wrapped in woolens most of the time. Himachal is also famous for its vibrantly colored shawls and caps. Every region in Himachal Pradesh produces shawls of particular designs depicting their proximity with the areas famous for such products. The Kullu shawls are known for their geometrical patterns and beautiful designs. The colorful array of shawls is a sheer delight for tourists who flock to Himachal to buy them. The fabric of Himachal’s rural economy is strengthened by the contribution of these culturally significant occupations thereby leading to an increase in the economy of rural artisans of the state.
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