Nagaland: 11th Naga Loinloom Festival underway at Diezephe

The two-day 11th Naga Loinloom Festival, organised by The Exotic Echo Society, was inaugurated Monday at the Weavers’ Village, Diezephe Handicraft Village. The festival seeks to highlight the rich heritage of Naga textile traditions while promoting the state’s indigenous loinloom weaving culture.
Inaugurating the festival, special guest Biswajit Das, Assistant Director, Weaver Service Centre, Toluvi, encouraged the weavers to take pride in their craft and break societal taboos surrounding men in weaving professions. Sharing his own experiences as a textile student, Das emphasised the need to change mindsets and recognise the economic and cultural value of weaving.
He highlighted the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), which provides technical training, financial guidance, technology upgrades, and subsidised looms, including loinlooms. He also spoke on welfare schemes such as pension benefits for award-winning weavers, scholarships up to Rs. 2 lakh for textile students, and the ongoing revision of NHDP guidelines.
Underscoring the global shift toward sustainability, Das noted that loinloom weaving—requiring no electricity and using natural dyes—produces minimal carbon emissions, positioning Naga weavers as “saviours of nature.” He suggested that sustainable practices could in future earn carbon incentives, while encouraging artisans to use premium fibres like eri and mulberry silk for better returns.
Narola Alemla Jamir, general manager, NHHDC Dimapur, along with representatives from Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Tourism Department, and Industries & Commerce Department also shared their views at the inaugural programme.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the special guest, invocation by pastor Poserüh Lohe of Assembly of God Church, and greetings from Vezota Chuzho, Council Secretary of Diezephe Village Council.
This year’s festival featured cultural and technical events including folk dances, folk songs, live weaving demonstrations, craft workshops, organic cotton weaving, and an exhibition-cum-sale of handwoven products. A special highlight was the Mekhla Warping Competition, judged by Biswajit Das, Narola Alemla Jamir, and Ninoto.
The festival concluded with cultural presentations, product displays and sales, celebrating both artistry and socio-economic value of Naga loinloom weaving. On the second day, Industries & Commerce adviser Hekani Jakhalu will grace the programme as special guest.