This story is from November 13, 2019

Himachal Pradesh: With onset of winters, Tibetan women set off on trade journey

Himachal Pradesh: With onset of winters, Tibetan women set off on trade journey
Throughout the summer, these Tibetan women remain engaged in knitting woolen garments.
DHARAMSHALA: Beginning of winter season has set off Tibetan women on a trade journey across the country. This is entrepreneurial season for the Tibetan women living in exile in India across various settlements at Himachal, Orissa, Karnataka, Delhi and other places with their global headquarters at this hill town.
Throughout the summer, these women remain engaged in knitting woolen garments. Those made of yak wool are in high demand in the market as per Tibetan traders.
They move out to various parts of the country these days, particularly to metro cities, to sell their stocks. Four months in a year are peak season for them to sell out winter wears.
Vice-President of Tibetan Women Association, Kalsang Yudon talking to TOI told that Tibetan women equally work hard like men in their families.
"Women in exile of Tibetan community are very hardworking. They are not like others, they have entrepreneurial skills and are courageous ladies. To engage in trade activities during winters is a yearly exercise for many", he added.
Inquiries in the Tibetan community revealed that Rajasthan is the hot selling destination in tourism sector.
Hand knitted garments mostly made up of Yak and lamb wool are famous produce among Tibetan markets. Tibetan hand-woven socks, sweater, gloves and caps are famous in Delhi, UP, Gujarat, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and northern eastern states.
"Most of the Tibetan females have already left and others are moving. Now they will return till February end", said Anksuh Verma, a business lawyer at this hill town.

There is a monopoly of woolen garments made of Yak wool. Skilled Tibetan women in exile are adopting diverse approaches to make their products outreach in market competing the readymade garments.
"Yak wool is procured from upper Himalayan region", said Dolkar (42) a merchant at Bhagsu road, Mcleodganj.
Women knit at home from March to October and sell the products as winter sets in.
"If our stock gets sold out early then we return to our base. There are many regular customers in various parts of country", said Tenzin, a Tibetan female merchant who deals in garments.
In new age practices, many street-smart women contact institutions to get heavy contracts for woollen clothes. This practice has become mutually beneficial for buyers and sellers.
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About the Author
Shri Puri

S Gopal Puri is a journalist working with Times of India. He covers lower part of Himachal Pradesh, including Dharamshala the global capital of Tibetans living in exile across the globe. Tibet – China issues, political affairs, environmental issues and lives in Himalayan region. Apart from this, he reports on issues of martyrs as most of jawans who sacrificed their lives for cause of nation belongs to this region of country.

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