If you have ever visited Himachal Pradesh, you must have seen locals wearing the colorful woollen caps - the Himachali caps, also known as Pahari topi. These caps are not only a shield against the cold winds but also a living representation of the rich culture of the state. They are a symbol that defines the people of Himachal Pradesh, and just like turbans are used in other parts of India, they hold a very special place in the hearts of the people.
History of the Himachali Cap
The history of the Himachali cap (Pahadi topi) has its roots in the hills of Himachal and Uttarakhand. It is believed that the people in the Kinnaur region used to wear this cap, known as Kinnauri Topi. The bone-chilling cold on the hills of Himachal needs no introduction, and the temperature in some parts goes down to – 20°C. To keep themselves warm, people need to cover up, and these woollen caps do their job well.
Significance of Pahari Topi
It holds significant cultural, historical, and symbolic value:
1.Cultural Identity: The Himachali cap is an integral part of the cultural identity of the people of Himachal Pradesh. It reflects the rich heritage and traditions of the region.
2.Symbol of Pride: Beyond a cap, it is a crown for the people of Himachal Pradesh. A hat decorated with brooches, peacock feathers, marigold flowers or Himalayan Brahma lotus flowers is a matter of pride and a testament to the cultural richness of the region.
3.Traditional Craftsmanship: The caps are often handmade using traditional techniques passed down through generations. They showcase the craftsmanship and skill of local artisans, contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts.
4.Regional Variation: Different areas within Himachal Pradesh may have variations in the design, color, and embellishments of the cap, reflecting the diversity of the region's culture. Women throughout the state, however, usually wear a distinctive form of Dhatu (a Headscarf).
5.Occasions and Festivals: The Himachali cap is commonly worn during cultural events, festivals, and ceremonies such as weddings, religious rituals, and folk performances. It adds a touch of tradition and authenticity to these occasions.
6.Tourist Attraction: The Himachali cap has become a symbol of Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry. Visitors often purchase these caps as souvenirs, contributing to the local economy.
7.Symbol of Unity: Wearing the Himachali cap can also signify unity and solidarity among the people of Himachal Pradesh, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The Kinnauri Cap: A Valuable Asset for the People of Kinnaur
The Kinnauri Cap and the dry flowers on it have always been a center of attraction. The green or red-colored velvet on the cap is locally called “Mokhmal”. The other colored part of the cap is called “Patti”, which can be of brown, white, or grey color, as this Patti is made up of sheep wool. The famous flowers on the top of the cap include white leaves, locally called “Chamka”/Kalgi and scientifically known as Oroxyllum Indicum (Tatpatanga). The stick which is light brown in color is made up of wheat by rolling two stems towards each other, which is called “Tekema” in the local language. The beautiful colored balls on the cap are made of cotton seeds scientifically known as Chorizia Speciosa locally known as “Bakhri kan”. These balls are basically seeds that give the reflection of cotton balls. These are made by tagging in the form of a ball and dyed in different colors. These flowers can be made up of different colors of wool as well.
The Importance of Protecting the Himachali Cap
This Kinnauri Cap is a valuable asset for the people of Kinnaur. They treat it as their crown, but no one is aware that the “Chamka” is about to become extinct due to extensive usage. In the sake of money, people are harvesting the fruit of Chamka in the immature stage, not keeping even a single fruit for reproduction. If that continues, a similar thing may also happen with Bakhri Kan in the future.
To keep this traditional cap alive and the flowers available forever, we need to use these flowers carefully, keeping the safety of the environment in our minds. We need to make people aware of this cruel reality. Let people know that plucking those fruits and flowers immature can lead to their extinction, and it is essential to keep some of these for reproduction so that the next generation can witness their beauty and enjoy our prestige.
Other Types of Himachali Cap
Other types of Himachali Cap (Pahadi Topi) include Kulluvi Topi, Bushehri Topi, and Lahauli Topi.
- Kulluvi Topi is a headwear recognized globally for its round shape and multi-colored stripes. It reflects the essence of Kullu district. The Kullu cap is round in shape and is flat on the top. A band of colorful border brightens the front with beautiful pattern, which is separately woven on small looms and the back portion, which covers the head is made of local woolen yarn and sometimes is also made of cotton or any other light material.
- Bushahri Topi has a lappet decorated with a stripe of parrot-green velvet or shanil cloth. It is traditionally worn with the lappet going from left to right. The parrot-green color was the official color of the former Bushahr state and the green lappet on the cap symbolizes it. This cap has become a symbol of the Congress party because the state’s four-time Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, who belonged to the Bushahr royal family and hailed from Sarahan, belonged to the Congress party.
- Lahauli topi is similar to the Kulluvi Topi, this Topi of Lahaul region remains plain in the remaining part.
Their designs also vary, but the Bushehri Topi is considered to be the origin of the traditional caps in Himachal. However, with changing times, new designs and color patterns of these caps have come up, and it's all mixed up now. However, for fashion enthusiasts, it is a Himachali cap, be it any color. They just pick according to their color preferences and what suits them.
Our cap is our crown, prestige, love, culture, and respect. It's our duty to protect our cap and not let it become extinct. The Himachali cap is not only a headgear for Pahari people, rather it is a symbol of pride. It holds a very special place in the hearts of the people. The Himachali cap is admired for its craftsmanship, stitching, and blend of colors on its exteriors. This cap is probably the most bought souvenir by the tourists visiting Shimla, Manali, or any hill station in Himachal.The Himachali cap is not just a souvenir, but it is a valuable asset that needs to be protected and cherished for generations to come.
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