State Handloom Expo draws 60 artisans from Nagaland, Assam

KOHIMA — A two-week-long State Handloom Expo 2025 (Hathkargha Mela) kicked off in Kohima on Tuesday, featuring 60 weavers from Nagaland and Assam.

Weavers and artisans from Nagaland and Assam are showcasing and selling a wide range of traditional and contemporary handloom products, while also exploring market linkages and business opportunities.

The expo under the Aatmnirbhar Bharat Utsav is being held at Gorkha public panchayat hall, Chandmari, on the theme “My handloom, my pride.” It will culminate on July 21.

The expo, sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is organised by the Nagaland Apex Weavers & Artisans Cooperative Federation (WEAFED) Ltd., Dimapur.

Gwaruno Khing, Managing Director of WEAFED Ltd., in his address during the inaugural programme, emphasised the need to promote local products globally, noting the central government's focus on this initiative.

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Towards this, he encouraged the participants to maintain high product quality and seize the opportunities through enhanced branding and market awareness.

He noted that the primary aim of the expo is to provide a platform for weavers and artisans to exhibit, sell, and connect with wider markets. The expo also envisions a vibrant and sustainable handloom sector, capable of generating long-term employment and fostering self-reliance within the artisan community.

The managing director further added that it aims to promote the overall development and welfare of handloom weavers by facilitating access to upgraded looms, accessories, and subsidised yarn in cluster areas.

He assured the artisans and weavers of the department's commitment in extending possible support to weavers and artisans, including skill upgrade and provision of machinery.

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