Pottery Making - Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Tibetan pottery has a history of about 4000 years, according to the legends Chinese Princess Wen Cheng Tibet, she thought the people many handy crafts, one such craft was pottery, she demonstrated the usage of clay from the river side and how to many pot and containers for storing items. Craftsmen of Tibet have been practicing this art till today, they have acquired mastery in working with clay. There extraordinary understand towards the material and its usage, is a great achievement in itself. Many such master craftsmen have visited the northern India and settled in the region of Himachal Pradesh.
Pottery making is one of the crafts practiced since many generations. This craft is practiced in almost all part of the world, majorly in India. Like other states pottery is carried out even in Himachal Pradesh. Places like Kangra, Mandi, Kulu, Chamba and Shimla are the main places in Himachal where pottery craft is practiced in large number. The communities have migrated to these place and dwelled here from many years who have been involved in making clay products. Pottery making is still an important craft which has more demand even today as these products are used in large numbers for ritual occasions. Kumhar’s community is involved in this craft since 5 generations and Mr. Mirchand is a leader of the community and he can be contacted on his mobile number. (09882935776)
The craftsmen are known for their unique works and creativity. They make all types decorated items, flower vase and items used for storage purpose are made in large numbers according to the customers demand. These Kumhar’s also make god and goddess’s idols painted with beautiful color shades. These idols are in big demand at festival seasons. In Kangra the articles are basically made and colored in black and red. The products made are majorly for domestic use. The famous item called Kawradu and Dhialu are the small pots produced to set curd. The work is done in Himachal Pradesh is seasonal, in winter they work from November to January and in summer they work from May to July. The pottery work is believed to be sacred work and is worshiped at festive season like Diwali where the potter’s wheel is decorated with a paste made from rice flour and pooja is performed with offerings. The Kumhara’s work even at festival season as the demand for the products are more at that time. The color of the fabulous craft is visible everywhere in Himachal Pradesh merging with the colors of the planes and landscapes of this palace.
