Due to the extreme cold during winter months in Himachal Pradesh, wool weaving became an

absolute necessity. Almost all households in the state own a pit-loom. Wool is also considered to
be pure and is often used as a ritual cloth. The shawl is one of the most popular and most
recognized woven objects. Several types of shawls exist, whether it be fine pashmina or on the
other end of the spectrum it could be a shawl made from the coarse material of desar. In
Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is famous for the shawls that it produces as they have striking patterns
and very vibrant hues.
Another popular handicraft in weaving is the Himachali caps that this state produces. They are of
a style that is easily recognizable outside Himachal Pradesh and this style differs from region to
region. In the town of Kinnaur, shawls, saris and trousers are made from wool. In the Himachali
district of Chamba, the weaving pattern is easily recognizable due to its chequered pattern. Apart
from shawls, carpets and blankets form an essential part of the lifestyle of residents of Himachal
Pradesh.

Weaving
Weaving in Himachal Pradesh has been a tradition since ancient times and is also necessary due
to the climate. Central Asia played an influential role in the technique of the weaving and the
design too. Tibet is another influencer in the weaving sector and the garments produced are
extremely popular amongst tourists. Woolen garments along with shawls in himachal Pradesh are
knitted at home and are hand woven. While factory produced items are also available they dont
have the same value as those of handmade products. Government run garment shops are places
where these items can be easily purchased. It is usually important to verify the authenticity of the
garment by looking at the trademark label.
Shawls and woolen garments made using the raw material of wool. In order to obtain wool
several methods are used. Sheep are reared at breeding farms that exist in the districts of
Hamirpur, Chamba, Mandi and Kinnaur. Migratory Himalayan goats are another rich source of
wool, along with Pashmina goats and angora rabbits. These goats naturally shed their fleece
during the summer season. Due to its finer nature, the underbelly is where wool is obtained from
in the sheep, since it is finer than the outer body hair. Other sources of wool in Himachal Pradesh
are imported wool from Australia. In order to colour the wool into different hues, chemical and
vegetable dyes are used.

Weaved Handicrafts
The Himachali shawl is essentially a light woolen fabric measuring approximately 1m by 2m . It
would usually be draped over and around the shoulder of the wearer and over the chest. It can be
made from yarn that is hand spun or even mill spun yarn. The fiber used to make the Himachali
shawl can be merino, wool, local sheep wool, Pashmina, Angora or a mixture of various types.
The yarn can either be dyed, or it can be made from natural colors. Even though a relatively new
addition to the traditional Himachal Pradesh attire, it is very popular, especially amongst tourists.

Today the handicraft of shawl weaving has become one of the most popular and rising industries
in the state. It is responsible for the livelihood for approximately 35000 weavers in Himachal
Pradesh.

Woven Craft
Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh offers exquisite shawls. These are in addition to the more
mass produce Kullu shawls that are more easily. The hand woven shawls in this region are
unique and believed to belong to a craft that is centuries old. The raw material that is used is
Merino wool, local sheep wool and Pashmina wool. Primary colors used in Kinnauri shawls are
red, orange, pink, blue, green and yellow. White represents water, yellow represents earth and red
represents fire, green stands for air and blue for air. In 1927 craftsmen from Rampur migrated to
Kullu Valley and thus the craft was transferred to Himachal Pradesh. Most shawls made for
commercial use are woven on the frame loom, while the shawls made for local use are mostly
woven on pitloom.

Handloom Weaving and Importance

The weaving of Himachal Pradesh takes inspiration from the states natural surroundings and the
auspicious symbols used by the people in the hills. The pattern on woolens are usually
geometrical, with the colour palette ranging from blue, saffron, to purples and greens. The body
of each shawl is a simple twill weave made with colorful inlay pattern set using hand
manipulations with coloured woolen threads. Pattu shawls are a speciality of the kully calley and
are traditionally made in black and white in a square pattern. This craft is generally used in
Kully Shamshi and Jihhi.

Weaving in Himachal Pradesh is not only a climatic necessity but also an ancient
tradition. Its technique and designs are influenced by Central Asia and Tibet, and its
rich heritage makes it popular among tourists. Shawls and woolen garments in
Himachal Pradesh are hand woven and knitted at home. Factory made items are
also available but they do not have the same value as handmade products. State
emporia and garment shops are convenient places to buy these items. Don't forget
to check the trademark label for authenticity