Dinesh Kumari, a retired art and craft teacher from Nurpur town in Himachal Pradesh, has successfully showcased the intricate art of Chamba Rumal embroidery on an international stage. Her participation at the 90th International Fair in Thessaloniki, Greece, marked a significant moment for the traditional Himachali craft.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Dinesh Kumari, a 66-year-old artisan, was among eight Indian artisans selected and sponsored by the Union Ministry of Textiles to present the traditional Chamba Rumal at the international fair held from September 5 to 13. At the exhibition, she demonstrated the detailed stitching techniques and introduced the craft to local women through practical sessions. The Indian Ambassador to Greece acknowledged her efforts with a certificate of appreciation for her role in preserving handmade artistry.
Kumari’s connection with Chamba Rumal began at a young age. She started learning the craft at the age of 10 in Chamba, her birthplace. She later completed a two-year diploma in tailoring and embroidery from the Government Industrial Training Institute in Chamba. Under the tutelage of local artisan Rajinder Nayyar, she refined her skills in Chamba Rumal embroidery, a craft that has since become central to her life.
The distinct characteristic of Chamba Rumal lies in its embroidery, where the design appears almost equally on both sides of the fabric. This meticulous detail necessitates exceptional precision, patience, and mastery of each stitch. Traditionally, the motifs featured in Chamba Rumal draw from India’s rich religious and literary heritage. Common themes include scenes from the Geet Govind and Bhagavata Purana, as well as compositions depicting Radha-Krishna and Shiva-Parvati, thus weaving together embroidery, traditional art, and storytelling.
The craft historically gained prominence under the patronage of the rulers of the erstwhile Chamba state. Dinesh Kumari has devoted a significant portion of her life to ensuring the continuity of this cultural heritage. She actively trains young girls in the craft, recognizing that the transmission of traditional skills to younger generations is crucial for its survival and future relevance. Her dedication has been recognized with several accolades over the years.
She received the State Award from the Himachal Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation in 1994-95 and the Dr BR Ambedkar National Award in 2017. Further honours include the first award from the Himachal Art, Culture and Language Academy in 2016 and the Art and Culture Shikhar Samman in 2018. In November 2022, the Union Ministry of Textiles bestowed upon her the prestigious Shilp Guru National Award.
Her recent engagement in Greece has extended the reach of Chamba Rumal art beyond India’s borders. By presenting the craft to an international audience, Dinesh Kumari has effectively carried a significant element of Himachal Pradesh’s cultural history to a global platform.
The Chenab Times News Desk