Chamba Handloom Weavers and Pashmina Shawl Tradition

Chamba district weaving communities produce woollen textiles using fibres from local sheep and goats raised at high altitudes. The Churah valley in Chamba district is particularly known for wool quality. Traditional horizontal frame looms produce Pattu fabric with distinctive patterns in natural dye colours. Some village weavers access Pashmina-grade fibre from high-altitude herds for producing fine shawls. The distinctive Chamba colour palette of deep blues, rich reds, and warm yellows reflects traditional natural dye sources including indigo, madder, and pomegranate rind. Chamba weavers historically produced both coarse everyday textiles and fine decorative pieces for courtly use. Contemporary cooperatives maintain the tradition while adapting designs for urban market tastes.