Women steal the show at ‘Him Mahotsav’ in Delhi

Colourful fabrics adorned with intricate designs, sparkling stone-studded jewellery and handcrafted paintings that bring a sense of calm - these are just a few of the treasures on display at the 'Him Mahotsav,' an exhibition organised by the Himachal Pradesh Government at Delhi Haat. This event offers a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase the region's crafts and products.

Many of the stalls are run by women from the hills, whose resilience and calmness are reflected in their creations. Their radiant faces tell the story of how they are preserving traditional crafts and products from the Himalayan region.

One such entrepreneur, 26-year-old Ranjana Sandhu, is selling Mandala art paintings. She believes these works can serve as effective stress relievers. Kirandeep Kaur, 33, offers unique artefacts made from reclaimed wood, emphasising that no trees are cut down in the process, thereby protecting the environment.

Anshul Malhotra, 40, a Nari Shakti Awardee, sees the exhibition as an opportunity to empower women from the region. Malhotra, who hails from Mandi, sells fabrics made from sheep wool and leads a group of 200 women involved in this craft.

Gandhara Rathore, Managing Director of the HP State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, told The Tribune that out of the 60 stalls at the exhibition, more than half, 31, are run by women. Sunita Devi, 49, from Kangra, is showcasing her organic products for the first time, including candles, balms and honey, all of which have attracted strong buyer interest. Pinku Devi, from Kullu, is displaying her handmade shawls and other crafts to visitors, hoping that Delhi's chilly weather will boost her sales.

In addition to the crafts, the exhibition features a food court where Himachal's special 'dham' is a major draw. The food court also offers 'siddu,' a nutritious dish that can serve as an alternative to processed foods. The inclusion of walnuts in the dish helps keep people warm, making it ideal for the cold weather, said an official.