Culture
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| About 90% of the population of
Himachal Pradesh is Hindus. There main communities
are Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis.
The tribal population of the state comprise of the
Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis.
The Gaddis are the traditional shepherds who migrate
from the alpine pastures to the lower regions during
the winters. The Kinnars are the inhabitants of
the Kinnaur region and practiced polyandry and polygamy.
The Gujjars are nomads who rear buffalo herds. The
Pangawals of the Pangi region of the Chamba district
are both low and high caste Hindus. The Lahaulis
of Lahaul and Spiti region are mainly Buddhists.
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Arts
and Craft |
Thapada is a large
embroidered shawl, which is a specialty of the handicraft
of Himachal Pradesh. Other items of craft include
the Kohana, a kind of a wall hanging, pillow covers,
blouses and caps adorned with fine embroidery. The
embroidered caps of the Kulu, Sirmair, Kinnaur and
Lahaul regions are also very famous. The shawls
from Kulu, woolen rugs and carpets from Lahaul,
depicting the traditional Pahadi designs. Beautiful
patchwork quilts, rag dolls and elephants are also
made in the area and comprise a necessary parts
of bride's trousseau. The wool products are made
in either the Byangi wool. Dyeing and printing of
fabrics has been a traditional craft in the area.
The Farahada and the Chhiba people do this work
traditionally. Weaving of wool is a major cottage
industry in itself. The highlanders of Lahaul-Spiti
and Kinnaur weave dresses from it for special occasions
such as festivals and weddings.
The Dom tribe is well known for producing fine household
articles made of bamboo. They are later painted
in bright colors. They manufacture boxes, sofas,
chairs, baskets, racks and several articles used
in daily life. Leather craft is extremely developed
and the slippers and shoes made in Chamba are in
large demand. The Himachalis are adept at the art
of making pots and statuettes with clay in many
shapes and sizes. These include pitchers, bowls,
platters, cups, lamps and small and large pots.
These are decorated with white patterns drawn with
Golu clay. Toys and figures of gods and goddesses
are made during festivals. The metal ware of Himachal
Pradesh includes attractive utensils, ritualistic
vessels, idols and silver jewellery. The local goldsmiths
also craft fine gold ornaments. The jewellery by
the woman of Kulu, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Pangwati and
Bharmor region is very attractive. |
Dance
and Music |
The dance and music of the state
is mainly religion-oriented where gods are invoked
during the festivals by singing and dancing. This
practice has continued since ancient times. The
major dance of the state are the Rakshasa (dem0on)
dance, the Kayang Dance, the Bakayang dance, the
Bnayangchu dance, the Jataru Kayang dance, Chohara
dance, Shand and Shabu dances, Lang-dar-ma dance,
Nati dance, Jhanjhar dance, Jhoor dance, Gi dance
and Rasa dance.
Musical instruments like Ranasingha, Karna, Turhi,
Flute, Ektara, Kindari, Jhanjh, Manjara, Chimta,
Ghariyal, and Ghunghru are played to provide music
for the songs and the dances. |
Fairs
and Festivals |
Fairs and festivals are an integral
part of the Indian way of life. The colorful state
of Himachal Pradesh has many fairs and festivals
to celebrate throughout the year. The National Snow
Statue Competition at Kufri near Shimla begins in
the New Year. The ice-skating in Shimla begins around
this time. The bonfires of Lohri, a festival to
mark the sowing of the Rabi crop light up the night
sky on January 13 every year.
The skiing competitions are held at Solang Nullah
in Manali in the month of February. A fair in the
memory of the sage Baba Barbhag Singh is held at
around the same time at Una. It is believed that
the Baba had magical powers, which were used towards
altruistic ends. The little kites dapple the horizon
with their color during the Basant Panchami, the
arrival of the spring. |
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