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Material Culture
Items related to tradition: elements of spiritual practices, handicrafts etc.
Each tradition is embodied in the objects of its material culture.
From ritual attributes to everyday clothing, from books to tableware, everything bears the imprint of the worldview, customs, and collective identity of the people who produce these objects. Many folk crafts still use authentic technology and equipment in almost pristine condition, and the secrets of production are passed on from generation to generation.
Therefore, to touch the spirit and meaning of the local tradition - not necessarily chasing antiques. Modern artifacts transmit this connection no worse. They can serve as a daily reminder of the power and serenity of the Himalayan mountains, your personal anchor of emotions - and also become unique souvenirs for your relatives and friends. Their prices will pleasantly surprise you, especially if you know how to bargain (this social ritual is often necessary, and we are ready to teach you how to do it right).
McLeod Ganj, as a center for tourism and pilgrimage, offers the richest selection of items of tradition. Here is a partial list of what can be purchased in local markets and in the shops of Indian and Tibetan traders.
Singing Bowls
These produce a beautiful sound when rubbed with a wooden stick. customised worldwide, singing bowls have been used in meditation, music and its related professions. Make sure that you buy an authentic bowl if you want it to produce the beautiful music. Many vendors also sell decorative bowls. The bowls come in different sizes and often have engravings etched upon them.
Where to buy?
Shops such as Village Boutique, India Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, Tibetan Museum souvenir shop, as well as the various street markets such as along Jogibara Road and in Kotwali Bazaar. You might also find your perfect bowl at the Tibetan Mini Market.
Where to buy?
Shops such as Village Boutique, India Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, Tibetan Museum souvenir shop, as well as the various street markets such as along Jogibara Road and in Kotwali Bazaar. You might also find your perfect bowl at the Tibetan Mini Market.
Budda statues, Prayer wheels and Prayer flags
Often referred to as 'Little Lhasa', Mcleodganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan Government-in-exile. It is also the home of the Dalai Lama. Pristine beauty comes together with spiritualism in this town, and there are many shops selling statues of Lord Buddha, prayer wheels, colourful prayer flags and other such things. The sculptures are made in different sizes and are of different postures. Some are decorated with stones and other decorative materials. Prayer wheels come in different sizes, sometimes with beautiful decorations or inscriptions emblazoned upon them. Colourful flags gently swaying in the breeze can be found in abundance throughout the locality, and you can even buy some for yourself in the many markets in the city. You can also purchase aromatic candles and oils, incense sticks, etc.
Where to buy from?
You will find these at many of the craft shops near the Dalai Lama temple. Shops include Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique and Divine Buddha Handicrafts. Many of the street side vendors at the local markets too will have these products. Be wary however of lower quality or overpriced products when shopping.
Where to buy from?
You will find these at many of the craft shops near the Dalai Lama temple. Shops include Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique and Divine Buddha Handicrafts. Many of the street side vendors at the local markets too will have these products. Be wary however of lower quality or overpriced products when shopping.
Local Tibetan handicrafts and decorative knickknacks
Bowls, wind chimes, carved boxes, wall hangings, cushion covers, lamps and other colourful items and souvenirs. Most of these are handmade local creations that incorporate the unique styles and designs of the Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. Many of the shops selling these handicrafts are NGOs and charitable organisations that use the proceeds to better the lives of the locals.
Where to buy from?
Shops such as Rogpa, Lha Tibet Fair Trade, Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre, Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre and Stitches of Tibet. Visit the shop at the Norbulingka Institute for some beautiful wall hangings and decorative pieces.
You can also buy from the street markets in places such as Jogibara Road Bazaar and Kotwali Bazaar. Visit the Tibetan Mini Market and the Mcleodganj Central Square too as you search for the perfect handicraft to take home with you.
Where to buy from?
Shops such as Rogpa, Lha Tibet Fair Trade, Divine Buddha Handicrafts, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre, Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Village Boutique, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre and Stitches of Tibet. Visit the shop at the Norbulingka Institute for some beautiful wall hangings and decorative pieces.
You can also buy from the street markets in places such as Jogibara Road Bazaar and Kotwali Bazaar. Visit the Tibetan Mini Market and the Mcleodganj Central Square too as you search for the perfect handicraft to take home with you.
Jewellery
Bead necklaces, metalwork jewellery and other accessories are crafted by the locals using in unique designs and styles and make for quite a fashion statement. Colourful beads, intricate metal designs, beautiful gems, all put together in a bohemian style. Keep in mind the fact that a lot of the jewellery you find is made in the traditional artistic designs which are unique to the people of the area and is not easy to find elsewhere.
Where to buy from?
The numerous street markets such as Jogibara Road Bazaar and Kotwali Bazaar have many vendors selling jewellery. You can also visit the Tibetan Mini Market to look for more options.
You can even find Buddhism inspired jewellery in the shops close to the entrance of the Dalai Lama temple. Here, prayer beads, healing stones and even pendants with chants and inscriptions in the Tibetan script or miniatures of prayer wheels and such can be found.
Along the main street of Bhagsu, there are many stores which offer daily classes to teach you the art of jewellery making and designing. Create your jewellery under the tutelage of local experts using gems and crystals as well as silver and other metals. Not only do you get to keep your creation you have the added bonus of knowing that you made it yourself.
Where to buy from?
The numerous street markets such as Jogibara Road Bazaar and Kotwali Bazaar have many vendors selling jewellery. You can also visit the Tibetan Mini Market to look for more options.
You can even find Buddhism inspired jewellery in the shops close to the entrance of the Dalai Lama temple. Here, prayer beads, healing stones and even pendants with chants and inscriptions in the Tibetan script or miniatures of prayer wheels and such can be found.
Along the main street of Bhagsu, there are many stores which offer daily classes to teach you the art of jewellery making and designing. Create your jewellery under the tutelage of local experts using gems and crystals as well as silver and other metals. Not only do you get to keep your creation you have the added bonus of knowing that you made it yourself.
Beautiful Cloth
Silk and satin wall hangings, ethnic designs upon clothes and bedspreads, fabric paintings, table mats and many other creations can be found in the markets of Mcleodganj. A lot of these designs are unique to the Tibetan culture of the area, infused with cultural and religious symbols and made using traditional designs and styles. They are handmade and often done on a day to day basis. So, if you want a customized design with your own chosen design, size and colour specifications, you can easily get it in these shops.
Where to buy from?
There is an abundance of options available to you as you walk down the Mcleodganj Central Square, Jogibara Road and through Kotwali Bazaar. Some vendors have clothes designed using the local styles while others carry anything from bedspreads to scarves to decorative scrolls. In the markets, you can even get your very own Chuba (the traditional Tibetan dress) hand-stitched if you wait awhile.
Some of the stores selling these beautiful cloth products are the shop within the Norbulingka Institute, Stitches of Tibet and Eternal Creation. The Green Store carries some brightly painted clothes alongside many other wares. Another place where you can get clothes tailored for yourself is Semshook Tibetan Handicraft.
Where to buy from?
There is an abundance of options available to you as you walk down the Mcleodganj Central Square, Jogibara Road and through Kotwali Bazaar. Some vendors have clothes designed using the local styles while others carry anything from bedspreads to scarves to decorative scrolls. In the markets, you can even get your very own Chuba (the traditional Tibetan dress) hand-stitched if you wait awhile.
Some of the stores selling these beautiful cloth products are the shop within the Norbulingka Institute, Stitches of Tibet and Eternal Creation. The Green Store carries some brightly painted clothes alongside many other wares. Another place where you can get clothes tailored for yourself is Semshook Tibetan Handicraft.
Colourful Bags and Purses
The vibrant culture and beauty of Mcleodganj find expression through bright bags, purses and other accessories in unique designs in many of the shops of the area. Traditional designs and a variety of materials and sizes and colours ensures that there is something for everyone to take home.
Where to buy from?
Shops such as Rogpa, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Divine Buddha Handicrafts sell these colourful accessories. The markets such as Kotwali Bazaar and Jogibara Bazaar too have numerous options for you.
Where to buy from?
Shops such as Rogpa, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Divine Buddha Handicrafts sell these colourful accessories. The markets such as Kotwali Bazaar and Jogibara Bazaar too have numerous options for you.
Handcrafted diaries and handmade paper
Handmade paper and diaries are one of the creations Mcleodganj is well known for. The area began its recycling initiative several decades ago and converts waste into paper products. The recycled products are designed into beautiful products such as diaries and other paper stationery and are popular with tourists. It is interesting to think that the recycling bins and instructions to going green scattered around different locations in Mcleodganj are the same initiatives that are creating these beautiful paper products from things we discard. You can also find handmade diaries here covered in leather and cloth sleeves which are available in different colours and sizes. Whether you want to keep a record of your travels or just a souvenir, these are a must-have.
Where to buy from?
The Green Shop is an outlet that sells paper and other 'green' Items. It is one of the funding sources for The Clean Upper Dharamshala Program. You will also find beautiful diaries in several of the shops already mentioned in the list as well as in the market lanes.
Where to buy from?
The Green Shop is an outlet that sells paper and other 'green' Items. It is one of the funding sources for The Clean Upper Dharamshala Program. You will also find beautiful diaries in several of the shops already mentioned in the list as well as in the market lanes.
Books (on Tibetan culture and Buddhism)
The history and culture of Tibet are both exciting and unique. In Mcleodganj, you can find books on Tibet as well as on Buddhism that give knowledge and insight into the vibrant art, culture, history and other arenas of the local population. You can also find books on fiction and other areas of interest here. As this place sees tourists from many countries, books are often available in a variety of languages including German, French, Spanish and Japanese.
Where to buy from?
There are many bookstores in the town with an excellent collection. Some of the shops include Buddhist Bookshop, Bookworm, Tibet Book Store, the Namgyal Bookstore in the temple complex and Youtse Book Shop. There are also several cafes that have books that you can peruse while you grab a delicious meal.
Where to buy from?
There are many bookstores in the town with an excellent collection. Some of the shops include Buddhist Bookshop, Bookworm, Tibet Book Store, the Namgyal Bookstore in the temple complex and Youtse Book Shop. There are also several cafes that have books that you can peruse while you grab a delicious meal.
Rugs and carpets
Exquisite handwoven rugs and carpets in the ethnic styles of the Tibetans are available in Mcleodganj. They have designs based on scenery, symbols, folklore and so on.
Where to buy from?
Shops such as Tibetan Handicraft Center, Village Boutique, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre offer beautiful pieces that you would love to see in your own home. Some of the stores even ship their products, so if you want that, please do enquire as to the possibility. The street shops in Kotwali Bazaar often have some beautiful carpets and rugs, so make sure you take a look.
Where to buy from?
Shops such as Tibetan Handicraft Center, Village Boutique, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre offer beautiful pieces that you would love to see in your own home. Some of the stores even ship their products, so if you want that, please do enquire as to the possibility. The street shops in Kotwali Bazaar often have some beautiful carpets and rugs, so make sure you take a look.
Paintings
Tibetan and Buddhist art offers beautiful works that can be purchased by tourists here. There are many places where you can buy Mandala paintings and beautiful thangkas to make sure you take back a piece of the vibrant culture of Mcleodganj when you leave.
Where to buy from?
Mcleodganj Central Square has several shops you can visit to purchase a beautiful painting or two. Some of the shops selling thangkas and mandala paintings are Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Tibetan Handicraft Center, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre, the shop within the Norbulingka Institute. Thangkas and Gifts is one of the most popular shops among tourists.
Where to buy from?
Mcleodganj Central Square has several shops you can visit to purchase a beautiful painting or two. Some of the shops selling thangkas and mandala paintings are Potala Handicraft Shop, Jewels of Tibet, Semshook Tibetan Handicraft, Tibetan Handicraft Center, Tibetan Children's Village Handicraft Centre, the shop within the Norbulingka Institute. Thangkas and Gifts is one of the most popular shops among tourists.
Чай
If you're a tea enthusiast, you must purchase some tea before returning. The area offers a variety of delicious and aromatic blends such as Kangra Tea, Tibetan Tea, Green Tea and many other varieties that should be sampled at least once.
Where to buy from?
There are several shops in the area where you can shop for tea. Try the Dharamshala Tea Company or even one of the small shops near the Dalai Lama temple or one of the other market lanes of the city.
Where to buy from?
There are several shops in the area where you can shop for tea. Try the Dharamshala Tea Company or even one of the small shops near the Dalai Lama temple or one of the other market lanes of the city.
Woollens
Mcleodganj can be a cold town. And there are many stores you can visit should you want some warm clothes or even if you're looking for a gift. Sweaters, scarves, socks and every other woollen item that you use or can imagine is very likely available here. The products are often designed with ethnic symbols and patterns and are both unique and beautiful. Whether you're looking for a light jacket or a yak wool shawl, you'll find everything you want.
Where to buy from?
You can buy woollen garments from several shops including the Lha Tibet Fair Trade. The shops in the market areas are teeming with woven products, and you can snag quite a few attractive pieces for yourself while you're there.
Where to buy from?
You can buy woollen garments from several shops including the Lha Tibet Fair Trade. The shops in the market areas are teeming with woven products, and you can snag quite a few attractive pieces for yourself while you're there.
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