Cosy Charm

With winter setting in, this exhibition from the hills comes just in time

You know winter is on its way in when you are invited to an exhibition by the Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Limited. This time round we have one arriving from Kullu with warm and cosy deals. For the uninitiated, the office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, during the year 2006 launched an Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme for the development of handlooms in 20 clusters in the country. One among them is the Kullu Handloom cluster which is the one visiting the city with all its wares. Speaking of handlooms, you8217;ll find an impressive array of hand-woven shawls and stoles at the exhibition, which cutely enough was inaugurated by one of the participating lady weavers. When it comes to woollen shawls, you can choose from a variety. There8217;s Angora, Kullu, Kinnauri and Pashmina shawls, all of which are priced starting as low as Rs 450. While the shawls come in traditional styles and weave, the stoles available here boast of contemporary designs. The colours being particularly vibrant. If, however, you are looking for woollen fabric for your salwar-kameez, then you8217;ll find pre-made sets available here at prices starting at Rs 1440. From plains to chequered ones, take your pick.

While the weather is yet to turn for the worse, the snug and colourful knitted socks-cum-shoes promise to keep you warm. Costing as little as Rs 60 for a pair, you can get each one in the family their own cosy ones! Speaking of cosy, the Kullu jackets come highly recommended and they do come in all sizes. Prices start at Rs 165. Pair them up with either a Kullu cap the ones with woven trimmings to more stylish knitted hats, priced at Rs 125. Also on offer are knitted mufflers, caps, socks. But if you are looking for traditional shawls, then drop by.

The exhibition is on at Panchayat Bhavan, Sector 18 till November 28