14-Day State Handloom Expo concludes at Thoubal Mela Ground
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 15 2025: The 14-day State Handloom Expo (Hathkargha Mela) 2025, organised by the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited under the sponsorship of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, concluded successfully today at Thoubal Mela Ground.

Speaking during the closing programme, Manager of the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd, Thongam Rabi, said that Thoubal district is home to a large number of women weavers, making Thoubal Mela Ground a suitable venue for hosting such expos.

He noted that various winter clothing items were showcased during the expo, and the 60 participating stalls recorded encouraging sales.

Rabi stated that by understanding customer preferences, weavers are able to produce and sell a wide range of products.

He appealed to the weavers to focus on producing quality products with variety at reasonable prices in order to enhance their income.

He further informed that the Ministry of Textiles releases an annual calendar indicating venues for such expos across the country, enabling interested weavers from the State to select and participate in State-level expos as per their choice.

Highlighting government support, Rabi said Manipur has a large number of skilled weavers who are benefiting from various schemes, including subsidy on yam under the Chief Minister's Yam Scheme, as well as assistance in the form of modem weaving machines provided by the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation, helping them produce diverse products.

He also pointed out that Manipur has made significant progress in producing new cotton saree products and mentioned that even markets like Dubai have expressed interest in Manipur's handicraft items made from Kouna.

Exporting sufficient quantities of Kouna products, he said, would greatly benefit the artisans of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Sathil Kumar from the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom) said that Manipur's handloom and handicraft products are widely known and appreciated, and urged artisans and weavers to further enhance production to meet growing demand.

The closing event was also attended by Rajkumari Sharda Devi, State Awardee (Handloom), who graced the function as the guest of honour.

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