Winter is In and Pula is Out - Grass footwear from Himachal Pradesh

My pair of Pula

' Cannabis sativa ' not only sounds exotic, it also means a bit devilish for many for its obvious reasons. The palmate-leaflet plant though in fact ,is a big contributing product to the thriving cottage industry of Himachal Pradesh in the form of Pula Chappals.

Himachal Pradesh was known as the land of the gods , hence footwear made of cowhide ( leather) was considered inappropriate to wear around the religious places.Hence, the Pula came to evolve as an alternative for the Paharis of Kulu region to be worn during the religious ceremonies and to walk on the snow.

Dried trips of grass or Bhang as it is popularly known are converted into rope form and are strengthened by a process of twisting and stretching to make these colorful footwear.The upper exterior are stitched using the wool of contrasting colours. 

Chad, a village near Banjar is the main market for these chappals. On an average you can buy it for around Rs.60 /- . I bought mine from Manali near the main bus stand area. A great souvenir for oneself or to gift to your loved ones, dont forget to pick a pair when you are in Himachal .

Wangala Festival of Garo Hills

The Wangala is a Garo post-harvest festival that marks the end of the agricultural year. It is an act of thanksgiving to the sun god of fertility, known as Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. A nagara (a special drum used for calling the people on solemn occasions) is beaten. The social aspect of the Wangala Festival goes on in the villages for a number of days, with eating, drinking and merrymaking. This is the most popular festival of the Garo Hills, and is held in November, the precise date being fixed by the headman. The men and women dance in mirthful gaiety with the beating of drums, blowing of the buffalo horn trumpets and bamboo flutes. The men wear dhotis, half-jackets and turbans with feathers. The women wear colourful dresses made of silk, blouses and a head-wrap with feathers. The highlight of the festival is when 300 dancers and 100 drums descend on the field in all their splendour in celebration.

This year we were lucky that the dates coincided with our South Garo Hills Tour and off we went with our guests to enjoy the festivities of Wangala.

Few images clicked during the event.