Himachal handicrafts to warm Lahore winter

Colourful and arty shawls, caps, socks, dolls and mufflers are among the other exotic Himachali handicrafts to be on display next week in Lahore, to catch the eyes of Pakistanis.

"A variety of Himachali handicrafts will be exhibited at the "Made in India" exhibition in the Pakistani city of Lahore for ten days, starting January 26," said Pravin Thaplial, managing director of the State Handicraft and Handloom Corporation here.

Calling it the new window of opportunity for the state's handicrafts he said, "This fair provides an excellent prospect for the state handicrafts and handlooms to find a new market in a neighbouring country."

"Locally made Kullu and Kinnauri shawls of pashmina, angora, marino and handspun variety, besides the trademark Himachali caps, the intricately embroidered Chamba rumal, Himachali dolls, colourful Lahauli warm socks and even metal crafts would be on display at the fair," he added.

These products are already popular across the country and are on sale in the state-run emporiums of the Himachal Handicraft & Handloom Corporation, located in prominent cities.

The demand for these woollens products rises in winter in northern India where the winter is severe. Most of these artefacts are also popular with foreign tourists visiting the hill state.