On August 7, National Handloom Day, weavers in Sharan village, Himachal Pradesh, are celebrating the revival of their traditional craft. Since 2020, when the Union Ministry of Textiles declared the village a Handloom Village, local artisans have been able to expand their work and produce a wide range of handwoven products for the market. Located in Kullu district, near Naggar, Sharan was chosen for this designation due to its high percentage of traditional Kath-Kuni architectural style houses and the large number of residents already engaged in handloom weaving. This recognition has created new livelihood opportunities, particularly for women, and has helped preserve the region’s traditional weaving heritage. Local artisans are now producing items such as pattu shawls, stoles, caps, and mufflers, which have become a significant source of income for them. One artisan noted that they used to make products only for household use, but now they have started making items for sale, which has opened up a new source of income. Another artisan highlighted how the craft has been passed down through generations and how government support has helped expand employment opportunities for women. The initiative has not only strengthened the local economy but has also encouraged women to become financially independent. The handloom sector in Sharan village has undergone a significant transformation, with weavers now producing a variety of products, including crochet items, and selling them to tourists. This has not only helped preserve one of Himachal Pradesh’s oldest weaving traditions but has also provided a means of financial independence for the weavers.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News