How a Remote Himachali Hamlet Turned into a Globally Recognized Handloom Village

Kullu : Nestled in the scenic landscape of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, the quiet village of Sharan in Rumsu Panchayat has emerged as a shining beacon of women empowerment, cultural preservation, and rural self-reliance. Declared an official "Handloom Village" by the Ministry of Textiles in 2020, Sharan has successfully integrated traditional craft with eco-tourism to boost the local economy.

The transformation of Sharan—home to just 98 households and a population of 423—began after a comprehensive survey by the Ministry of Textiles. The village stood out because 95% of its homes are built in the traditional Kath Kuni architectural style, and almost every household practiced handloom weaving. Recognized for its unique heritage, former Union Minister Smriti Irani virtually inaugurated Sharan as one of the country's select handloom villages.

Since then, the Weavers' Service Centre has driven significant infrastructure and skill-building initiatives. Over 50 villagers received advanced weaving training along with modern handlooms, while 17 artisans were granted ₹1.20 lakh each to construct dedicated work sheds. To streamline production, a warp-winding machine was installed in the village.

To bridge craft with tourism, the district authorities constructed a state-of-the-art three-story multipurpose building—inaugurated in December 2024 by Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut. Managed by a local panchayat committee, the facility features live demonstration handlooms on the ground floor where tourists can learn basic weaving, a cafeteria on the second floor, a direct sales showroom on the third floor, and a library on the top floor.

Today, local women lead this economic renaissance. Balancing household chores with weaving, they craft authentic pattu, dohru, shawls, caps, and mufflers. Facilitated by various institutions, products crafted by Sharan’s female artisans are now exported to over 30 countries, keeping centuries-old Himachali craftsmanship alive while generating steady household income.