Naggar Village - Himachal Pradesh
The heritage village of Naggar is situated in the Beas valley of Kullu District in the Western Himalaya, on the left bank of the river. Standing majestically at a height of 1851 meters, the village, surrounded by Deodar trees, provides a picturesque view of snow-clad mountains on the north and the glistening Beas river powering its way deep down. The beautiful Naggar castle (now a Himachal Tourism hotel and restaurant) is the legacy of its status as the old capital of the former Kullu Kingdom about 500 years ago.
Naggar is home to a number of traditional crafts that include spinning of local sheep wool and weaving woolen fabrics out of it in various colours, designs and patterns for different types of traditional costumes worn by local community. Almost every rural household rears a few sheep to meet their requirements of woolen clothes and blankets.
Most households in Naggar have a ‘khaddi’, (a hand operated weaving machine) where women from the household take turns to weave woolen fabrics. Faces of local deities are made in brass by traditional craftsmen (Photo metalcraft). They also make and repair traditional musical instruments like brass bands, brass drums etc. Some metal craftsmen are designated as jewelers and make silver ornaments for women. These silver ornaments are ;worn during festivals and fairs. The metal craft is practiced by only one community, called as ‘sunar’.
The most famous attraction of the village are the ancient temples built in the Shikhara and Pagoda style.
Nicholas Roerich was a Russian who settled down in the beautiful hills of the Himalayas after the revolution of 1917. He was a gifted painter, who dreamt of unifying the world through art. Roerich Art Gallery is set amidst well-tended gardens and has the perfect setting for the display of art. The whole ambience beautifully captures the essence and beauty of Himalayas, just like the subtle strokes of the brush by an expert.
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