New Delhi : The centuries-old, globally acclaimed dying art forms of Himachal Pradesh are displayed at the on-going India International Trade Fair here, an official said Thursday.
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 said.
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 tribals 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.
The economy of the state is highly dependent on apples, besides hydro-power and tourism. The apple industry is worth Rs.1,500 crore (around $330 million).
IANS
