Shimla: In a landmark moment for Himachal Pradesh’s traditional handloom sector, artisans and handloom makers from across the state entered the Guinness Book of World Records by displaying more than 4,000 hand-woven shawls at a single exhibition during the MSME Fest 2026 at the historic Ridge Maidan here on Saturday.
The record-setting exhibition was curated by Hema Chalpatesh, Hanloon and Nandikarath—sons of the soil representing different regions of Himachal—who brought together the finest creations of local artisans and weavers. The exhibition was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in the presence of Industries Minister Harshwardhan Singh Chauhan, senior officials and industry stakeholders.
For the first time, such a massive and diverse collection of hand-woven shawls—known for their intricate designs, rich textures and high value addition—was showcased at one venue. The display highlighted the depth of craftsmanship and the evolving design sensibilities of Himachal’s shawl and loom industry while staying rooted in traditional techniques.
Earlier, the largest shawl display at any exhibition was limited to just 1400 pieces. By presenting over 4,000 shawls in one go, the artisans and handloom makers of Himachal set a new global benchmark and officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
Officials said the achievement has brought international recognition to the state’s handloom sector and is expected to open new markets for local weavers, many of whom depend on shawl weaving as their primary source of livelihood. The record is also being seen as a morale booster for traditional artisans and a strong message to the younger generation that heritage crafts can achieve global acclaim through innovation and collective effort.
The historic feat, achieved at one of Shimla’s most iconic venues, has firmly placed Himachal Pradesh’s handloom heritage on the world map, reinforcing the state’s identity as a hub of skilled artisans and timeless craftsmanship.
