Traditions & Practices
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Weaves of Kullu
The winter months of the Kulu valley are a busy time for the households when almost every home is involved in the weaving process of the traditional Kullu shawl. The woolen shawls and pattus of Kulu are striking with the center spread of the shawl being a natural white or cream, while the borders have geometric or floral designs woven in brightly colored woolen yarn.
Worshipping Nature
The concept of nurturing the environment is deeply embedded in Indian thought. Innumerable ancient hymns in the Vedas decree that human happiness depends upon the well-being of the environment. Thinkers and sages possessed rare insight into nature's myriad secrets, qualities inherent in varieties of plants, trees and grasses and their interconnections. The antiquity of tree worship in India goes back thousands of years.
Wooden Comb & Hair Ornaments of Chattisgarh
Before plastic was introduced in India, combs were made of wood, bamboo, metal, bone, and ivory. Whether simple in design or an intricate work of art, comb-making was a hereditary craft. Now the craft product is viewed as an object of curiosity and decorative value rather than as an object of everyday use. The share of the market controlled by wooden comb-makers has dwindled and they are now focusing on crafting hair ornaments and pins, along with intricately carved spoons, ladles, and other items of cutlery.
Wood Carving of Chattisgarh
Traditional wood carving in Chhattisgarh is an ancient craft, the skills of which are passed on from generation to generation. The craftsmen are rich in experience and make products like fixtures of houses, pillars, bows and arrows, Mata Jhulas, farm implements and ritual items. Life size figures of animals, birds, gods, goddesses and humans are made in Raigarh and Sarguja.
Wood-crafts of Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu there are a number of places noted for wood craft. Virudunagar is famous for the traditional style. It has now started making articles for household use. Devakottai and Karaikkudi make traditional panels in different sizes.