On the 54th Himachal Day, the hill state is celebrating its rich culture and art. The state of Himachal Pradesh came into existence on April 15, 1948 after which on December 18th, 1970, the Parliament of India passed the State of Himachal Pradesh Act and the new state came into existence on 25th January 1971.
The snow-covered land of Himachal Pradesh is built on the west of the Himalaya and was created on 25th January 1971 after the unification of more than 30 princely states. The renowned Sanskrit scholar, Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, coined the term ‘Himachal’.
Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most scenic, quiet, calm and beautiful states which is rich in paintings, art and language as it also has the influence of the surrounding states and Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana.
Along with the pristine innate beauty, the state has various art and craft forms that reflect its rich culture. Quite vivid and diversified, the art and craft of Himachal Pradesh are impressive which can be best witnessed in paintings, handloom products, woodwork and metal products.
Renowned as ‘Pahari’ painting, the art has received praise from both domestic as well as international tourists. These paintings depict the lives of the common people, their beliefs and traditions. Apart from holding a spiritual significance, the paintings and art work also showcase the extraordinary flora and fauna of the state.
PAINTINGS
Paintings in Himachal Pradesh are mostly done in the miniature form and centered on the lives and loves of princesses and kings. Wars, religion and hunting themes are also commonly represented. The Kangra style and the Basholi style are the two main styles of painting in Himachal Pradesh. These paintings are famous for their intricate coloring and lovely forms. The state government is taking firm steps to revive the forgotten forms of painting. The Himachal Pradesh Government Emporium is a good place to buy these paintings.
If you are interested in ‘Chamba Rumaal’ paintings, the Chamba Art Gallery is a good place to visit. In Dharamshala, there are quite a few centers selling authentic Kangra Miniature paintings. You will get metal vases, plates, scrolls and even tiny boxes painted over in the Kangra and Pahari style.
HANDICRAFTS
Over the period of time, this state has developed an unparallel tradition of arts and crafts. Each of the handicraft items that are getting created by the skilled and innovative artisans depicts unique craftsmanship. Whether it is the wood carved showpieces or intricately designed jewelry pieces, handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh are unmatched. The government is also taking interest and encouraging the artists with financial and other resources. This will lead to a brighter future of handicraft and handloom of the state and thereby faster economic growth. Most of the handicraft items created here are exclusive to this state and are hardly found anywhere else.
METAL WORK AND STONE WORK
Himachal Pradesh is known for its handicraft items made of different types of metals and stones. The metals that are mainly used for making various types of handicraft items are iron, brass, tin, copper and bell metal. Using these metals, idols of deities are made. Apart from idols of gods and goddesses, artistic items, bells, lamps, vessels etc. are also made with these metals and are decorated with stones.
Chamba, Mandi, Shimla, Kinnaur are some of the places whose metal and stone based handicraft is very popular.
WOODCRAFT
Himachal Pradesh is one of those states that are famous for wood crafts. The village homes of Himachal Pradesh showcase traditional wood crafts. The abundant natural resources of pine and deodar apart from luxuriant woods of walnut, birch, chestnut and mulberry. The vast amount of natural wood available has resulted in artistry in wood being practiced here amongst artisans in Himachal.
The window and door frames, balconies, door carvings, carved and painted ceilings of traditional houses of villages is the evidence of wooden crafts of Himachal Pradesh. Woodcraft of Himachal Pradesh is mainly done at places like Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Tisa and Kalpa.
WOOLEN GARMENTS
Himachal Pradesh is famous for the artistic creations of its weavers. Weaving in Himachal Pradesh is not only encouraged because of harsh climatic condition but the technology has been influenced by Tibet and Central Asia and hand woven garments and shawls of Himachal Pradesh have become famous across the world.
Mandi, Hamirpur, Kinnaur and Chamba are the main regions where sheep are bred to get wools. Angora rabbits and Pashmina goats are also the other sources of wool. Shawls and caps woven in Kinnaur and Kullu are exclusive and are famous for their uniqueness. Shawls are also woven in Chamba and Lahaul districts of Himachal Pradesh.
PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURE
Ninety-six per cent of the population of the state is Hindus. The major communities include Brahmins, Rajputs, Choudharies, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. The tribal population comprises the Gaddis, Kinnars, Jadun, Tanolis, Gujjars, Pangawals andLahaulis.
The Kinnars are the inhabitants of Kinnaur and they generally practice polyandry and polygamy. The Gujjars are nomadic people who rear buffalo herds and are mainly Muslim. The Lahaulis and natives of Spiti, Kinnaur region mainly comprise Buddhists. A percentage of people are also Tibetans. Muslim, Christian and Sikhs also have a significant role in making the state unique in their own ways.