Sharan transforms after handloom village status

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Kullu, August 7

Sharan village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district is witnessing a remarkable transformation after being declared a Handloom Village by the Union Ministry of Textiles in 2020. The recognition has not only boosted the local handloom industry but also created new livelihood opportunities, especially for women, who are now earning a steady income by selling traditional woollen products.

Before receiving the Handloom Village status, residents mainly produced pattu shawls, caps, mufflers and other woollen items for personal use. Today, these handcrafted products are being marketed commercially, strengthening the village’s economy and giving local artisans a wider platform.

The village was selected after a survey by the Ministry of Textiles found that nearly 95 percent of its homes were built in the traditional Kath-Kuni architectural style and that handloom weaving was a common occupation among residents, making Sharan eligible for the prestigious recognition.

Sapna Thakur, a member of the Jamdagni Self-Help Group, said the handloom sector has expanded significantly since the village received the status. She noted that women who once wove only for household needs are now producing goods for sale, creating a new source of income. She also urged the government to promote Sharan as a tourist destination so more visitors can discover Himachal Pradesh’s only Handloom Village and support its artisans.

The Ministry of Textiles has also established a multipurpose building where women associated with self-help groups can display and sell handmade shawls, pattu, caps, crochet items and other traditional products, helping improve their earnings.

Another resident, Diksha, said women earlier spent most of their time in agriculture and prepared handloom products only for personal use. Now, after completing farm work, many women weave shawls, pattu and crochet items, earning an additional ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month. She added that the younger generation is also learning the craft and turning it into a sustainable livelihood.

Rajni, another artisan, said the infrastructure and equipment provided by the Ministry of Textiles have enabled women to diversify their products beyond pattu shawls. She added that improved roads, street lighting and better marketing facilities have further enhanced the village’s development, making the Handloom Village initiative a major success.