Yarn Bird - Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
The state of Himachal Pradesh located to the north of the country is often referred to as Dev Bhumi, meaning Land of Gods, while the name of the place translates to ‘Region of snowy mountains’. This hilly heaven, previously a Union territory, was declared the Eighteenth State of India in 1971 after the Himachal Pradesh Act. Himachal Pradesh is among those states in India, which marks high per capita income with revenue majorly from tourism, hydroelectric power, agriculture, textile, and mining.
Palampur is a hilltop town of Himachal Pradesh located in the Kangra Valley. This place is known for its Tea plantations hence also known as the ‘Tea Capital of North India’. Therefore, numerous streams are flowing from its mountains, deriving its name from the local word palum, meaning ‘much water’.
Himachal Pradesh has been consistent in impressing the world with its vibrant yet simplistic style of Folk-art like Chamba embroidery, Pahari painting, Mohra metalwork, Buddhist woodwork, Tibetan folk dance, and varieties of handloom products. Hence we can find numerous training camps and workshops set up in certain cultural centers of the state offering lessons on specifically thread art, weaving, carving, quilling work, hand paintings, and many more. Sobha Singh Art Gallery and Museum is one such gem from Andretta village near Palampur. This place is regarded for its craft culture passed through generations. Sobha Singh Artist is the founder of the center, who set up space since the partition of the country. He believes in sustainable living through art, with a personal slogan “Grow More Good”. At present, the art gallery is run by his wife Mrs. Kamaljit Kaur, a learned veteran who conducts classes in handicrafts like yarn bird making and quilling work. This has mostly encouraged the natives to learn a skill and earn a good living out of it.
