Kilta Making - Himachal Pradesh
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Kilta making artisan and his family.
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Nargal is a local species of bamboo.
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The bamboo strips are cut into strips for Kilta making.
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The strips are arranged in a circular fashion in order to start weaving.
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The bamboo strips are soaked in water to retain moisture and to get flexibility while weaving.
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Once the base is weaved the strips are folded to weave the sidewalls of the basket.
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Two varieties of grass are used in the local basketry, the thick Toong, and the thin Nargal.
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Likewise the sticks are weaved evenly right next to each other making the basket firm.
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Artisan building the walls of the basket or Kilta which gives strength to the Kilta.
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The edges of the sticks are folded and given a finishing look.
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A finished bamboo basket is used for many purposes.
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Kilta is usually made in different sizes as per the requirement.
Himachal Pradesh is a state in India located in Northern India. It is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, Kangra paintings, Chamba rumals, metalware, woodwork, and paintings are worth appreciating. The state has a high diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants. Lahaul-Spiti region of the state, being a cold desert, supports unique plants of medicinal value, including Ferula Jaeschkeana, Hyoscyamus Niger, Lancea Tibetica, and Saussurea Bracteata.
It is also known as the fruit bowl of India. Various wildflowers like gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips, and lilies are carefully cultivated. The cultivated fruits and flowers are carried using a basket locally known as "Kilta". A Kilta is a traditional basket, which has been in use since time immemorial for carrying produce. It is made up of bamboo, which is locally grown. Artisan Mr. Jalfu Ram from Banala village, Kullu district, HP, is a native who is residing in the region makes baskets for his use. These baskets are being approximately three feet in height and can be made in a day or two.
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