SOUVENIRS FROM MANALI
memories can be kept by a meaningful souvenir
Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful scenery, snow-covered mountains, red apples, and wood and stone buildings. Come for the pure air, the chilly desert, and the adventure sports. What do you take back from this Dev Bhumi, this divine land? I believe that what we all bring back from Himachal is excellent health and a lot of positive energy. We have curated a collection of Himachal souvenirs for you to choose from.
Himachali Topi or Cap
You see someone with a spherical cap carefully balanced on their hands with a brilliant band in front, and you know they are from Himachal. Interestingly, the Himachali Topi or Cap is unisex and is worn by both men and women. It's a great Himachal souvenir to bring home. Most tourist attractions or markets have them readily available. They are not too expensive, therefore most of us can afford them. There is, however, no standard Himachali topi. Each Himachal area has its own Topi - Kinaauri, Kullavi, Bushari, and Lahauli. They are similar in shape, but it is the pattern that sets them apart. You can actually tell where someone is from by looking at their topi.
Kullu Shawl
Himachal has a cold temperature, thus warm clothes is essential. It also contains a lot of wool-producing animals like sheep. It's no surprise that wool weaving has grown as an art form in Himachal. Shawls in this collection offer basic yet attractive patterns. Both men and women wear them. Men's shawls named 'Loi' or 'Pattu' are bigger and more simple. Women's shawls are covered with a strip of artistic and colourful designs. While beige and pastel colours dominate, the border offers a splash of colour. Floral designs might also be found on occasion.
Chamba Rumal
Chamba Rumal gets its name from the Himachal area of Chamba, and Rumal meaning handkerchief. It is a hand-embroidered piece of silk or fine cotton that generally tells a tale. Scenes from Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata may be seen. It is impossible to ignore a reflection of the tiny art done in this region. Chamba Rumal has a GI tag, tying it firmly to its land of origin.
Paintings of Himachal
Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its beautiful Pahari Miniature paintings. Any museum in the country worth its salt has a collection of these wonderful paintings. The Kangra, Chamba, Guler, and Basholi schools of miniature painting are well-known for their beauty. In the past, these paintings have portrayed whole epics. While finding and buying one would be too expensive, many contemporary artists are recreating these works. Some of them are incorporating new age elements into their designs. Check them out at Manali and Shimla marketplaces.
Dorje's for Meditation
The dorje is often used in meditation rituals as a symbol of the connection between ordinary life experiences and the state of being that we live in harmony with nature and all that surrounds us. It is Tantric Buddhism's principal ritual trident.
Himachali Jewelry
Every area of India has its own particular jewellery style. There is a lot of silver jewellery in Himachal. Some typical Himachali items include: Chaakk - A silver decoration worn on the top of their heads. Chiiri - This is a similar item of jewellery to Maangtika. Jhumka - A form of earring that is popular in the state. Chanderhar - A form of necklace with a pendant used on important occasions. Toke - A band worn around the wrist that is never or rarely removed. Pari - A foot ornament worn around the ankle like a little foot necklace.
Nuts and Fruits
If you want to eat fresh fruits, visit around August and September. You can literally pluck and eat them. There's also candy, jam, juice, and pulp. Pears, apples, apricots, plums, persimmons, berries, and other exotic seasonal local fruits grown in this region can be enjoyed. Pine Nut or Chilgoza, is a dry fruit native to Himachal Pradesh. Pine trees produce these tasty nuts. They are nutritious, crunchy, nutty, and have a buttery flavour.
Woodcraft of Himachal
A trip to the hills is incomplete without exploring its woodcraft. Shimla, in fact, has its famous handicrafts market called “Lakkar Bazaar”, literally meaning the Wood Market. Here you can find toys, walking sticks, Shimla scenery, key rings, pen stands, clips for kitchenware, trays, and varied other memorable things out of wood. These are made from the wood of Rauns Trees, which grow in the Bhagi and Khadrala areas of upper Shimla.