Manali is an idyllic hill resort encircled by the lofty Himalayan Ranges whose snowcapped peaks glisten prettily in the mellow early morning sunlight. The charming and picturesque valleys, nestled between the mountains house quaint and sleepy villages where weaving the traditional Manali handlooms like Loi and Dohru are the means of economic subsistence.
Manali is a picture perfect hill station that lies en route to the Tibetan kingdom of Leh. The frosty paradise abounds in glaciers enveloped in a pearly white blanket of snow. Consequently, the region has a spine chilling and icy cold temperature for a large part of the year. This ensures that the quintessential Manali handlooms like the Loi and Dohru be made of coarse and heavy fabrics that will keep out the cold.
One of the most common but handy handloom products of Manali are the pattoos, made of a thick and rough material. They serve the same purpose as the conventional shawls, only they are much heavier and solely functional. Pattoos seldom have ornamental value and are usually used as an accessory to a garment like the pretty shawls.
The ordinary pattoos serve the purpose of everyday use, and are made of a thick textile. Popularly known as the 'Dohru', the fabric is user friendly and flexible and serves a multitude of purposes. They can be used as a bed blanket or be draped by the women folk in a archetypal style that somewhat resembles a sari.
The simple and chaste Pashmina shawls, locally known as Loi that are woven with great care by all sections of people irrespective of caste, creed, social status or financial prowess are very popular with the local people.
