Himachali Culture

Handlooms and Handicrafts of Kullu 

Since the inevitable need for woolens was felt, the aborigines of the valley started creating the same for themselves. Alterations have undeniably arisen but those have worked towards enhancing the status of weavers and the looms. The handloom has put back the pitloom, superior raw material is in use and positive variations have occurred in the motifs.

The pitloom developed and took the shape of a handloom, which produces finer products rapidly. Formerly, plain shawls were woven but with the arrival of Bushehras (weavers from Rampur Bushehar, Shimla) into the valley, patterned handloom products came into trend. The patterns woven illustrate indigenous flora and fauna. In order to accomplish every promising demand of the patrons more of raw materials are being imported into Kullu from every nook and corner.

The hues typically vivid were in fashion till recently, but these days people are smitten by pastel shades. The colors are made of both natural and chemical dyes.

Handlooms are now found in almost every house of the valley who weave for themselves and for commercial purposes. It has expanded as a key cottage industry in Kullu Valley. There are thousands of people wholly and partly occupied in the sphere.

The fanatical artisans of the Valley of Gods put their imaginations into their art. Their zest from nature and the cool environs is portrayed through their art. The amazing handicraft of Kullu, be it the world famous Kullu-Shawl, Metal Crafts, Artistic Wood Craft, Intricate Drift-Wood or he minute arts thriving in the valley, all portrays the best of the valley.

The living tradition of Kullu handicrafts has its roots in the past, though begotten both as a necessary and the artist’s love for nature now a days it has also taken the form of a fashion. With time, constructive alterations in design and processing have taken on rather than plain handloom products, patterns were instigated, variation in processing came about the raw material enhanced.

The patterns on handlooms depicts the artisan’s passion for nature. The patters on shawls, mufflers, caps etc are influenced by nature and they show trees, mountains and flowers. The colours, traditionally bright, probably try to manifest the Kulluites’ zest for life.

Kullu Shawls

Kullu Shawls occupy a place of pride among the handlooms of Kullu. They are world famous for their traditional patterns, quality and reasonable price.

Kullu Cap

Kullu Cap is a colorful article made out of woolen cloth. The cap is round in shape, having colorful borders on its sides, which is woven on a smaller loom. The borders come in different designs and colors.

Pattu

Pattu is the traditional dress of the local women of Kullu. This woolen fabric is woven in different colors and designs. It is thicker and heavier than shawls and the colors used are fast and bright. Women wear pattu over their clothe. They pin both ends of it with local silver broaches called ‘bumni’, joined with a long chain.

Mufflers

Kullu muffler is a traditionally designed artifact of handicraft, made of wool (Pashmina, Merino, Angora). It is worn around neck by hill people during winters. Mufflers were started being woven in the valley in 1940’s.

Metal Craft

Metal Craft of Kullu pursue native profile and are bedecked with delicately engraved patterns, which depict local flora and fauna. The valley also manufactures local musical instruments, symbols of God (locally called ‘Mohras’) and artistic works of sheet metal. The stone carvings depict various episodes from the epics. Woodcraft too find room in the light of valey’s flora, sky-scraping deodar trees and blooming pine trees.

Other Crafts

Besides these, Kullu valley promotes several other crafts such as ‘Pullas” (grass slippers made out of the stem of Marijuana plant. Mandris (a type of carpet made from the stem of Marijuana Plant. Gudmas and Namdas (quilt and mattress respectively made from ‘Bying’ (wool from Tibet).