अभिलेखागार Update

*) - The Sar Pass is in Parvati Valley of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh

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*) - Fateh Prakash Palace

Himachal Pradesh Handicrafts

Wood Carving 

Painting

Thangkas

Rugs & Carpets

Garments & Accessories

Embroidery

Shawls

Leather Craft

Jewellery

Metalwork

Stonework

Being rich in forests, wood is abundant in Himachal Pradesh and so woodcarving is still a living tradition of the state. Earlier this craft was mostly used in building temples and palaces. However, at present artisans creates intricate designs used in building houses, and also for making other things like low benches, spinning wheels, smoking pipe, cradles, low settees, boxes, serving spoon, rolling pins, wooden utensils, and much more. Moreover, other interesting things like fruit bowls, beer mugs, wooden jewellery, decorative boxes and carved images can also be found carved out of wood.

Like most other states in India, Himachal Pradesh is also rich in traditional paintings. You can see the miniature paintings in art galleries and museums in Himachal, but the true picture of the traditional paintings can be seen in most village houses. The women of the house paint their floors and walls. Moreover, they draw illustrative designs called yantras on the doorstep on ceremonial occasions. The floors are decorated with a white paste made of rice, whereas the walls are painted with colors, which they collect from daily used things such as turmeric powder, red clay, kumkum (a liquid used for make up) and so on.

Thangkas are brightly coloured cloth paintings, which are mostly used as ritual paintings exhibited during some Buddhist festivals. International tourists love these paintings. They generally depict lord Buddha and other deities as well as the wheel of life.

Rugs, Carpets are significant part of furnishing in Himachal Pradesh. Available in brilliant colors and traditional motifs these items look amazingly beautiful in appearance. 

Moreover, Blankets made with wool weaved out of sheep and goats are also available in plenty.

Garments & Accessories used by People of Himachal are very colorful. Their traditional attire is bedecked with delicate embroidery with circular and linear patterns. They are also fond of all sorts of accessories like colorful scarves, bangles, rings, hand knit woollen socks, gloves, mufflers, caps and grass shoes.

Women in Himachal like to pass their time in the afternoon by working on embroidery work with needle and thread. They make beautiful pieces of clothing like scarves, coverlets, handfans, caps, cholis (bodices), gaumukhi (prayer gloves) and so on. The richly embroidered colorful silk rumals (scarves) of Chamba have traditionally been made since the last 1000 years. Himachali women use these small shawls as head coverings.

Like Kashmir, Himachal also produces fine and precious Shawls, which are in high demand by tourists from all over the world. These shawls are weaved in the cottage industries of Himachal and are available in plain and patterned.

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Leather craft is another significant craft of the state. The traditional chappals (slippers) of Chamba are not only beautiful but very comfortable as well. They are embroidered with colorful threads and at times with Zari (golden thread). You will also find a range of shoes, sandals, socks and belts.

Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh consists of beads and metals, which are worn by the local people with their traditional attire. These include pendants, necklaces, rings and so on

The metals used in metalwork or metal carving are brass, copper, iron, tin and bell metal. These are used to make exquisite statuettes, lamps, incense burners, low settees of silver or brass, vessels and musical instruments mostly used in temples. Moreover, some objects are also made for daily use at home.

Stone carving is another such craft, which was mostly used for temples in the early days. You can see splendid samples of the stone carving in various temples in Himachal.

Himachal State Museum

The Himachal State Museum is a colonial building that was built in the year 1974 with the aim of preserving the state's rich cultural and archaeological artefacts. Surrounding the museum are sprawling lawns that greatly enhance its beauty.

The museum is divided into many galleries, including Rajasthan Miniature Painting, Photographs and Pahari Miniature Painting that attract general visitors. The Pre-Historic and Archaeology galleries are worth exploring for historians, archaeologists and subject scholars.

From rare sculptures and beautiful paintings to old coins and exquisite handicrafts, the museum has a lot on display. The most striking of all the items are the stone works of Bajaura and Masrur belonging to the 8th century. The Pahari miniatures and Mughal and Rajasthani paintings are among the museum's proud possessions. Do not miss to check out the unique collection of Himachali dolls in the museum.

There is also a library at the museum that stocks several historical books and manuscripts. It is a perfect place for art lovers and people who want to know about the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh.

Gobind Sagar Lake

The vast reservoir that forms the lifeline of Himachal Pradesh, Gobind Sagar Lake is a popular tourist destination too. It is an artificial lake, which is a direct outcome of world famous Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River. India’s first Prime Minister had the vision to turn all the dams and power projects of the country into tourist destinations. When you visit the Gobind Sagar Lake, you see that the vision has become a reality.

It is 90 km long and encompasses an area of approximately 170 sq. km. Harvey Slocum was the mastermind behind the successful design and work of this lake. To maintain the level of water, the flow of the river Beas is channeled to the Gobind Sagar, by the Beas-Sutlej Link that was completed in 1976. Though a power generation unit, the lake is also the host of various water sports. Fishing is a regular activity here and more than fifty species and sub-species can be seen in the water.

Some of the major species include Tor Putitora (Mahasheer), Labeo Dero (Gid), Mystus Seenghala (Singhara) and mirror carp. Department of Fishers at Bilaspur gives licenses for fishing here. Water sports like speedboat and ferry rides are also available in Gonbind Sagar Lake. In October and November, when the water and water level of the reservoir is at its peak, the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation organizes a series of regattas. Water-skiing, sailing, kayaking, and water-scooter racing become available at this time.

Named after the 10th Guru (Teacher of Sikh community) - Guru Gobind Singh, the lake becomes more popular during winters. The surroundings of the lake reflect the true beauty of Himalayan ranges. The lush green mountains surround the lake and the river definitely add greatly to its beauty. The nearby destinations around the Gobind Sagar Lake comprise of Anandpur Sahib. This holy place is 83 kms from here. The place is of vital importance for the Sikh people, as Guru Teg Bahadur established it.

Khajjiar

Khajjiar, located in Chamba district and just 24 kilometers away from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is another popular hill station that is tucked at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Khajjiar is long-familiar for hosting a picturesque ecosystem with lakes, pastures and forest. If you are looking for camping in Himachal Pradesh then this is it… where you can pitch your tent in the midst of wilderness. #india #himanchal