There are various mountain ranges located in the north region of Pakistan. These ranges are enriched with minerals and salts. Himalaya range is also known for the minerals it keeps, but in the history of sub-continent, the oldest salt mines are the Khewra salt mines which are located at the foothills of Khewra salt range. These mines produce 325000 tonnes of salt per annum. Many products are made with the salt obtained from Khewra mines. Usually the products are made by the accumulation of natural salt rocks and this work is being done from millions of years.
The inhabitants of those areas also use this salt for various health purposes. If we compare the salt got from Khewra mines to ordinary table salt, then we will get to know that the salt from Khewra mines is of the purest form. The most popular handicraft made from this salt is salt lamp. In every region of Pakistan people take one occupation as their source of living so it must be said that the main occupation of people of this region is rock salt crafting. Rock salt lamps are famous for the pinkish effect they give and look so beautiful.
Another surprising fact about these salt handicrafts is that they also purify air. These lamps create an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort. These handicrafts are made by giving various shapes to them. They can be created in any shape, but abstract shapes of these salt lamps look unique. Artisans also make innovations to make these crafts more and more unique. There are no bulbs or lights placed in these lamps, as this material allows light to pass through it and glows automatically. These lamps are known for their health benefits because bad air is also a great cause of various diseases and these lamps makes the air fresh around you.
These handicrafts maintain their stability only in that area because of the atmosphere. There is a mosque and hospital built for the workers in the Khewra mines. It is said that if a person with asthma problems visits that hospital, then he never experiences this problem again in his life. Handicrafts made with these blocks of salt are created to maintain the beauty and freshness of the salt blocks. The color of these handicrafts ranges from off-white to dark pink color. These handicrafts not only increase the beauty of your home, but also purify the air around.
Many other handicrafts are also created by the artisans, but salt lamps have the greatest importance among all of them. So, whenever you are visiting north parts of Pakistan then you must include Khewra mines in must visit places list to see these beautiful handicrafts.
