Handloom Expo under Aatmnirbhar Bharat Utsav commences in Dmu

The Hathkargha Mela – State Handloom Expo, themed “My Handloom, My Pride,” was inaugurated on Sunday in Dimapur. Sponsored by the office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The event is organized by the Nagaland Apex Weavers & Artisans Cooperative Federation (WEAFED) Ltd., a Government of Nagaland undertaking.
The expo was formally inaugurated by Joint Director of Skill Development, H. Alongse, in the presence of assistant director, Ministry of Textiles, Biswajit Das, and Managing Director of WEAFED, Gwaruno Khing. In his inaugural address, H. Alongse emphasized the importance of showcasing traditional handloom products. He lamented that such expos serve as platforms for local artisans to promote and sell their crafts to a wider audience, thereby fostering economic growth. “Every year, nearly 30,000 youths graduate from matriculation in Nagaland. This growing workforce needs employment opportunities, and handloom can be one such sector to tap into,” he noted.
Biswajit Das, in his address, encouraged weavers to share the stories behind their products, underlining that storytelling can enhance the value of handloom goods in the eyes of customers. “Handloom is one of the most sustainable forms of production and plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. In India, handloom is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture, with over 35 lakh weavers, including 16 lakh in the Northeast alone,” he added.
WEAFED managing director, Gwaruno Khing encouraged local weavers and artisans to make the most of the expo by marketing their crafts and building connections with broader markets. A total of 16 stalls have been set up, showcasing a diverse range of traditional handlooms and handicrafts items. The event is free and open to the public and will continue until August 16.