DIMAPUR — Along with rest of the country, Nagaland celebrated the 10th National Handloom Day organised by Weavers’ Service Centre, Dimapur, in collaboration with Nagaland Apex Weavers and Artisans Federation, Dimapur, and sponsored by Development Commission for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, at Urban Haat, Dimapur, on Wednesday.
The day was marked with handloom exhibition, which was inaugurated by a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), C Manpon Konyak, as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Konyak said that handloom sector symbolises the country’s glorious cultural heritage and an important source of livelihood as the sector directly addresses women empowerment with over 70% of weavers and allied workers being women.
Konyak stated that the 10th National Handloom Day, which began in 2015, was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in Chennai. He mentioned that it has so much of interwoven wealth of ideas right from the very beginning, adding it is an imprint of culture and tradition that one can identified themselves through their culture.
He pointed out that weaving is not just a practice or hoppy but they are preserving the cultural identity and historic footprint for the future generation. He added that textile industries are not just a hobby of preserving their rich culture but also involves economy and employment opportunities.
He acknowledged the weavers for preserving the identity of the Nagas and India as a nation. He further stated that their participation has not only brought them together through the art of weaving but also promoted human relationship.
On the occasion, Nagaland Apex Weavers and Artisans Federation, Dimapur, awarded certificated and cash to eight weavers from Nagaland, while the Weavers Service Centre, Dimapur, also awarded certificates and yarn passbook to weavers.
The exhibition will have a total of 25 stalls, which will run for 7 days from August 8 to the 15th. It will also witness various other events such as seminar, quiz, workshop and exhibition-cum-sale.
NEN celebrates National Handloom Day
The North East Network (NEN), in collaboration Nenterprise-Chizami Weaves and Li Cheh Kro Weavers’ Producers’ Company Ltd., commenced a three-day celebration of National Handloom Day on Wednesday at Hope Hall, NEN Resource Centre in Chizami village under Phek district on the theme “Celebrating the artistry of weavers; weaving heritage and livelihood.”
The celebration would conclude with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP).
The objective of the event was to raise awareness about the significant role of the handloom sector in supporting local economies and livelihoods, particularly for women. It also emphasised on weaving as a cultural heritage, recognising and acknowledging the contribution of women weavers in sustaining and promoting the rich traditional weaving heritage. Additionally, it is to create a collective space for weavers to share knowledge, skills and experiences, inspiring both peers and younger generations.
The event was attended by Vichisalu Nukhu, president of Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, as the guest speaker. She stressed on the need to maintain high quality to be able to sustain and thrive and added that ‘passing down those skills to younger generations becomes their responsibility as women, ensuring the preservation of our cultural identities as indigenous communities.’
She further highlighted the need for various organisations and stakeholders to come together and partner in taking forward the initiative of sustaining weaving heritage.
In the keynote address, Wekoweu Tsuha, NEN state coordinator, stressed on the critical role of women in the local economy and underscored the significance of local weavers in preserving the traditional art and culture of weaving. She urged the weavers to contemplate on the reason as to why one weaves and encouraged them to see weaving beyond mere livelihood.
The programme was attended by over 125 weavers, community leaders from 15 villages in Phek district and staff from NEN and Nenterprise.
Following the event, a three-day weaving workshop (focused on textiles and bamboo) would take place from August 7 to the 9th. This workshop aims to raise awareness about weaving as a cultural heritage and provide a platform for weavers to pass down their skills and knowledge to the younger generation.
An exhibition showcasing traditional attire and weaves was also inaugurated.
As part of the celebratory occasion, weavers award was given away to 25 weavers out of the 478 active weavers associated with Chizami Weaves.