Traditional handicrafts and handloom of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh

Handloom weaving and handicraft are the cultural heritage of the Himachali people and an indispensable part of the lives of Kulluites. The activity of preparing a vide range of handloom and handicraft products was originated to suffice local needs but it gradually took a turn towards commercialization. In the study, handloom and handicrafts of district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh have been presented. The local weavers besides following their ancestral traditions and skills are intentionally making some alterations in the designs and motifs to cater to the needs of modem buyers. The various handloom and handicraft items of the Kullu district include shawls, caps, borders, pattoo, muffler, patti, thobi, numdha, gudma, hand knit wcolens, kilta, patari, etc. which have been described in detail in the paper.