CHAMBA: In a remarkable display of skill and dedication, a woman from Chamba in Himachal Pradesh has breathed new life into her late father’s craft, keeping alive the rich tradition of sculpture that runs in her family.
Lata, a resident of the Chameshni Mohalla in Chamba town, has taken up the mantle of sculpting, following in the footsteps of her father, the late Puran Chand, a renowned sculptor who passed away in 2017.
Father Puran Chand was a renowned craftsman
Puran Chand was a master craftsman known for his intricate and beautiful sculptures, especially those of deities. Lata, in her bid to honour her father’s legacy, has continued his work with a passion and commitment that reflects the values instilled in her.
This year, she has created two stunning idols of Goddess Kali, which will be placed at the Maa Jwala Ji Temple in Jhulakadi Mohalla and the Mai Ka Baag in Sultanpur Ward, both of which will hold special significance during the worship of the Goddess.
Lata shared that she used a variety of materials in the creation of the idols, including straw, red clay, plaster, raw rope, fabric and different colours.
It took her about 10-15 days of meticulous work to complete the idols. “It’s not just about the art, but about carrying forward a legacy,” Lata said, reflecting on the importance of preserving her father’s craft.
Creating large effigies of Ravana, Meghnath for Ram Leela
During the pandemic, Lata had also contributed to the community by creating large effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna for the Shri Ram Leela Club of Chamba.
She spoke of how her father had been an active member of the club for over 45 years, contributing to various cultural events, and how she had assisted him in making idols during her childhood.
After her father’s death, Lata had put the art of sculpting aside for a while. However, after receiving repeated requests from people, she decided to revive the craft and continue creating idols in her father’s memory.
Advocate for gender equality, women empowerment
“After my father’s passing, I had stopped making idols, but the requests kept coming. People remembered the quality of my father’s work and wanted me to carry it forward. I realised this was my way of keeping his memory alive,” she explained.
Lata, who is an advocate for gender equality, also emphasised that today, there is no difference between boys and girls. “Girls today are no less than anyone else. In any field, they are capable of achieving great things. All they need is trust and confidence in their abilities,” she said, proudly asserting that women can succeed in any profession.
Subhash Mahajan
Other News
President Droupadi Murmu’s Himachal visit dates finalised; to attend key events in Shimla, Mandi, Rohtang
Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery on Mandi-Kullu NH bids farewell after 28 years, to be razed for 4-lane project
Mandi’s Kadhar village turns model for natural farming as all families adopt traditional cropping
1,300 arrests, 3,400 licence suspensions, 13,000 challans in 6 months: Himachal police crack down on violators of traffic norms
How many identified black spots rectified on national highways, Centre asks Himachal
