Himachali craft and cuisine is in great demand at Delhi as the state Government is organising ‘Him Mahotsav’ at Dilli Haat from 17th to 30th December, 2023. Under which, an effective platform has been made available to sell the products and Himachali cuisine of the artisans, weavers, and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) self-help groups of the state through Himcraft (Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handlooms Corporation Limited), Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, and the Department of Art, Language, and Culture.
Managing Director Him Craft, Jatin Lal informed that Himachal’s handicrafts, handlooms, self-help group products, and Himachali cuisine are being greatly appreciated in Delhi, and sales of about Rs 40 lakh are estimated within 3 days. On the second and third days, people from Delhi NCR and foreign guests also made huge purchases. He said that in view of the upcoming Christmas festival and New Year, the department is expecting a business of more than Rs 5 crore, he added.
In the Him Mahotsav, Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, Lahauli socks and gloves, Chamba slippers prepared with fine workmanship using zari and silk thread on leather, and amazing Chamba Thal of metal crafts, Kangra tea and Kangra paintings, bamboo craft products, the dhams of Kangra, Chamba, and Mandi remain the centre of attraction for Himachali cuisine, including hand-woven shawls of wool, angora, pashmina, yak wool, Sirmauri Loiya, and pickles and jams made by self-help groups.
The department has set up 35 stalls of Himcraft, 20 of NRLM Self-Help Groups, 5 of Himcoste and more than 5 stalls for the sale of Himachali delicacies. Besides, the department is organizing folk dances from various districts of Himachal to attract the people of Delhi, NCR. Along with the products of artisans, weavers, self-help groups, and Himachali cuisine, the folk culture of Himachal is also being promoted in the Him Mahotsav.
The objective of the Himachal government is to establish the unique art, culture, and cuisine of the state as a brand and to get it recognized at the national and international level. Through Him Mahotsav, the aim is to make people aware of the handloom and handicraft products of the state so that orders for these products can be received from big cities as well, which will not only expand the business activities of the artisans but will also strengthen their economic condition, he said.
