Govt mulls opening art gallery in Chamba

Our Correspondent

Dalhousie, April 28

The state government is mulling constructing an art gallery on the premises of the famous Bhadrakali Bhalei Mata Temple at Bhalei in Chamba district.

Old art pieces, traditional food centre, village haat, open air theatre and contemporary artworks would be housed in this art gallery which would be an added attraction to pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy place.

Disclosing this here, Dalhousie MLA Asha Kumari said the art gallery to be constructed under the Integrated Development of Himalayan Circuit would give a big boost to the promotion of cultural and religious tourism in the Dalhousie and Chamba tourist circuit.

For this, initially a provision of financial outlay to the tune of Rs 4 crore had also been made, she said.

She said the art objects depicting various aspects of art and lifestyle of the region and its rich cultural heritage would be displayed in the art gallery.

The art gallery envisaged showcasing art, craft, paintings and sculpture of the hilly region, Asha Kumari said, adding that there would also be an open air theatre and an art shop so that the place could be a venue for cultural interaction. The Bhalei Mata temple complex then would be able to host art shows from time to time, she added.

The art gallery would also sell traditional paintings, works of art and craft made by the local artisans, generating a source of income for them, she said.

Bhadrakali Bhalei Mata Temple Managing Committee chairman Kamal Thakur hailed the move of the state government.