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Bageshwar: In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, a necklace made of gold and silver is not just an ornament but is considered a symbol of cultural identity and tradition. This traditional necklace is prepared by threading small square plates, which is special for its fine workmanship and unique design.
In the Kumaon region, Galoband is not just an ornament but is considered a symbol of rich cultural heritage. Women wear it as a form of family tradition, faith and social identity. It has special significance in weddings, pujas and traditional festivals. In many homes it is preserved as an heirloom from generation to generation. In the culture of Kumaon, wearing a scarf is not just a adornment, but a beautiful way of expressing one’s mountain pride.
Galoband is made by stringing small square planks with strong thread. Every plank is carved by hand, due to which its workmanship is extremely fine. It remains close to the body, hence wearing it is more common in cold hilly areas. The traditional design mostly has geometric shapes and a glimpse of the folk art of Kumaon. Times have changed, but goldsmiths are still creating new designs by mixing modern styles while respecting the same old techniques.
In Kumaon, necktie is considered a symbol of auspiciousness and prosperity. Especially on the occasion of marriage, it is considered necessary for the bride to wear a neck scarf. According to folk beliefs, it protects from evil forces and brings happiness and prosperity in the family. Women especially wear it during puja, fasting and religious festivals. Its shine is not only of metal, but also of faith and family sentiments related to generations.
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Today, the pace of change in the world of fashion and jewelery is fast, but Galoband has firmly maintained its place. New designs, lightweight models and everyday wearable styles have increased its popularity among girls also. From heavy neckties worn in weddings to light modern versions are now available in the market. Due to its connection with the hill culture, this jewelery has created a special identity on social media also.
The price of Galoband depends on its workmanship, metal and design. Earlier it was made almost entirely of silver, whose price today ranges from Rs 10 to 25 thousand. In the modern era, the demand for gold neckbands has increased rapidly, whose designs range from Rs 60 thousand to lakhs. The special thing is that hill women often have a new gold necklace along with the traditional silver one.
The art of making galoband is not a simple skill but a tradition followed by goldsmith families for generations. The goldsmiths of Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Kashmirpur have special recognition in this work. This craftsmanship is done by hand, so every scarf is unique. The old artisans are still teaching their art to the new generation, so that this heritage of Kumaon remains alive in the future.
Galoband is not only a cultural ornament but also an important part of the local economy of Kumaon. Small artisans of hilly districts depend on this art. The sales of these jewelery increase manifold during the festive season, wedding months and tourist season. To increase business, online orders and social media marketing have also taken the demand of Galoband to the big market, due to which the income of the hill artisans has also increased.
Today’s young generation has started adopting traditional things in a modern style, and Galoband is a great example of this. Along with college functions, photoshoots, cultural programs and modern outfits, Pahari girls are wearing Galoband as a style statement. Fashion designers have also started including neckties in their jewelery lines. This combination of tradition and trend is making this precious heritage of Kumaon even more popular in the future.
