Himachal Pradesh. A state of legendary natural beauty and beautiful people. Himachal Pradesh became a full fledged state of the Republic of India on January 25, 1971. The state has been on the path of progress since Independence. Over the centuries, the beauty of Himachal has seeped into the artistic consciousness of the region and is reflected in handicrafts of the Himachali people who delight in artistic endeavours. Artistic expression comes naturally to them. Every artifact created by them reflects a truly individual expression of the artistic spirit. An essential feature of the handicrafts created by the artisans of Himachal Pradesh is their utility and practical value. The legendary beauty of Himachal Pradesh and its people constitute the region's artistic consciousness. This is reflected in the arts and crafts of the ebullient Himachalis who delight in creating a resplendent range of artifacts that are a spiritual oasis in the wilderness of a modern life.

O Himachal ! You are a rising crescendo of hills and hopes and happiness for those eyes blessed to behold you.. You are the height of Himalayan splendour, plush with dense woods of oak, pine fir... You are -your people. Warm and hospitable, with hearts and skins aglow with life. You are mountains, you are valleys; you are hills, you are plains; gorges and cliffs; orchards and meadows... The river, the land... All exploding with the abundance and fullness of life... You are fragrant with the scent of coniferous and deciduous forests, clothed, attired, outfitted in a myriad hues of nature... You are all this Himachal and you are more because.. You are wrought by divine hands .

Each unique piece is a preserve of an individual, a heartfelt expression. it proclaims, not just the dexterity of hand and the acuteness of eye, it goes farther - it delves into the innermost recesses of the soul. The artifacts of the artisans and craftsmen of Himachal catalogue the practical uses and the artistic achievements, craft after craft.... For the hill folk creation is a part of the rhythm of a life in tune with nature. While nature on its own takes seed to flower, the craftsman transforms dust into sculpture, tree, trunks into objects that bring the glow of warmth into our lives.