Keylong: Lahauli Hand-Knitted Heritage Heads to Berlin – A Global Leap for Indigenous Craft.
The legendary hand-knitted socks and gloves of Lahaul have made it to the global market. With the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, this unique craft is now going international.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has selected Lahauli knitted products for a five-day exhibition in Berlin, Germany.
From November 6 to 10, 2024, this craft will shine at the "Invest India" showcase.
Seven GI-certified handicrafts from across India will be featured, with Lahauli socks and gloves standing proudly among them.
This international recognition is a milestone for Lahauli knitting. The journey wasn’t easy.
The "Save Lahaul Spiti Society" and HIMCOSTE have worked tirelessly to get this craft its due. In 2019, Lahauli socks and gloves finally received their GI certification.
Since then, both the Himachal Pradesh and central governments have actively promoted this heritage.
Numerous handicraft expos and fairs across India have helped bring these skilled artisans national fame.
The iconic Lahauli socks are known for their bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Generations of Lahauli women have preserved this craft.
The tradition evolved over time, blending in techniques introduced by German Moravian missionaries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This unique mix of heritage and innovation has kept the craft alive for decades.
Yet, this indigenous art struggled for visibility in international markets. The GI tag, along with HIMCOSTE, Invest India, and the Save Lahaul Spiti Society’s joint efforts, has changed that.
Lahauli knitted products now have the recognition and identity they deserve. With global exposure, these crafts are finally earning respect on the world stage.
B.S. Rana, President of the Save Lahaul Spiti Society, expressed gratitude to Invest India.
He congratulated "Garsha Looms," the participating enterprise owned by young entrepreneur Tanzin Bodh.
Rana said this platform will bring big opportunities for Lahaul Spiti’s women artisans. This global recognition is a moment of pride for their tribal heritage.
