Now buy Himachal handicrafts through e-shopping
By IANSMonday, January 18, 2010
SHIMLA - Now you can buy handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh simply sitting at home through e-shopping.
To attract the buyers, the state government Monday launched a website having more than 1,000 products on display.
“From hand-knitted woollens like shawls, stoles, mufflers, socks, gloves, pullovers and caps, to Kangra paintings and Chamba rumal (handkerchief) to Chamba chappals (slippers) and jewellery items — all could be purchased online,” Industry Minister Kishan Kapoor told reporters here.
He said the demand for handicrafts and artefacts made in the hill state was increasing.
“In fact, Himachali handicrafts are quite popular among foreigners. Now, this will help them buy the products easily,” he added.
To attract online shoppers, the government has announced a 20 percent discount on products purchased through e-shopping.
The Himachal Handicraft and Handloom Corporation is operating 15 sales outlets, including one each in Bangalore and Delhi.
The hill state is known for the art of embroidery on the Chamba rumal that originated and flourished in Chamba (now Chamba district) in the 16th and 17th centuries where the Chamba school of miniature paintings got royal patronage.
The state government has got the Chamba handkerchief, the Kullu shawl and Kangra tea registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, by the Chennai-based Geographical Indications Registry.
