Garhwali Wool Weaving Traditions Pauri District

Pauri Garhwal maintains traditional wool weaving traditions producing thick woollen blankets (Daans), woollen rugs (Galicha), and warm garments for Himalayan winter use. Women weavers using backstap looms and ground looms create geometric patterns in natural dyed wool that reflect traditional Garhwali design vocabulary. Colours derived from walnut bark (brown), madder roots (red), indigo plants (blue), and pomegranate rind (yellow) are used in traditional pieces. Cooperative societies link rural weavers to urban craft markets and export buyers. The weaving tradition faces pressure from cheap machine-made textiles but survives through quality differentiation, cultural associations, and growing appreciation for natural textile traditions. Intergenerational skill transmission within weaving families maintains living craft knowledge.