Culture and Language

Shimla has a multilingual, cosmopolitan character. People speak and understand both Hindi and English. Punjabi and Pahari languages are also spoken and understood in and around Shimla.

Himachali art and crafts are truly fascinating; it is incredible how ancient practices and traditions have continued since time immemorial. The history of India is a story of unbroken traditions that have continued for over 5000 years. For centuries, Indian handicrafts have been distinguished for their aesthetic and functional value.

India is a land abundant in raw materials that have lent themselves to the creative hands of the Indian craftsmen. From expensive materials like ivory, gems and marble; to cheaper ones like clay, cane and bamboo and wood, Indian handicrafts have an amazingly captivating beauty. Another thrilling factor is the numerous processes that these materials go through before they take final shape. Processes like the 'chikan' work and 'phulkari and bagh' work on cloth; certain types of polishing and metal casting or even the filigree work on metals is unique to Indian art.