Himachal Pradesh displays artefacts at trade fair

The centuries-old, globally acclaimed dying art forms of Himachal Pradesh are displayed at the on-going India International Trade Fair in Delhi. Live demonstration of handloom weaving and embroidery on the Chamba 'rumal' (handkerchief) and Kangra paintings have been showcased at the trade fair, director of Himachal Pavilion R.R. Patyal told. He said handicrafts like musical instruments and bamboo crafts and hand-knitted woollens like shawls of Kullu and Kinnaur, stoles, mufflers, socks, gloves, pullovers, caps and carpets and jewellery items were also on display. The Kullu and Kinnaur shawls, with intricate borders in bright colours, are made on traditional looms by tribes and are popular all over India and abroad. "Juicy apples of Kinnaur and dry fruits are also attracting a good number of buyers," he added. Patyal said more than 60 companies, government departments and cooperative weavers units from the state were participating in the fair. State-run Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corp has also displayed its range of juices, jams, squashes and pickles.