State Handloom Expo wraps up
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 05 2024:
The 14-day State Handloom Expo (Hathkargha Mela) organised by the Manipur Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd at GM Hall, Imphal came to a close today.
Notably, the expo was kicked off on December 23 under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner for Handloom and Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles.
Sixty handloom stalls were opened at the expo.
The closing ceremony was graced by Priyadarshi Daripa, Deputy Director, Weavers Service Centre; Th Basanta, General Manager (Administration) Manipur Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd and Maisnam Lalini Devi, National Awardee as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Priyadarshi Daripa stressed on the increased footfall at the expo and the high quality handloom and handicraft products available for sale and asserted that these are positive signs for those engaged in the Handloom & Handicraft sector.
Informing that efforts are underway to organise similar expos at Janpath (Delhi) and Bangalore in the months of January and February, he said that this will be a good opportunity for State artisans.
He advised individuals interested in participating in the expo to obtain their Weavers' ID Card and visit Weavers Service Centre at Porompat.
He also urged weavers to ensure that their products have the official "Handloom Mark" while assuring that Weavers Service Centre will help weavers without ID cards to procure the same.
Meanwhile, Th Basanta stated that three State level expos and one National Handloom Expo at Kolkata were conducted in 2023 to uplift weavers and artisans of the State.
Saying that there is an increasing demand for Manipuri handloom and handicraft products outside the State, he maintained that matching the quality of the products with the price will ensure a steady demand and market for these products.