Shamayra Nhi Handloom & Handicrafts festival celebrated at Laii village
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 28 2025: The Laii Women Society on Saturday successfully organised Shamayra Nhi: Handloom and Handicrafts Festival at Laii (Vafiimai) village, under the theme "Weave Your Story", celebrating the village's rich weaving heritage while highlighting women-led cultural and economic environment.

Conceived as a platform to preserve traditional knowledge and strengthen local livelihoods, the festival brought together artisans, community members, cultural enthusiasts and invited dignitaries from across the region.

The inaugural programme began with a traditional weave-in performance symbolising the continuity of heritage ' and inter-generational transfer of knowledge.

Ng Apele, Women chairperson of Laii, delivered the welcome address, extending greetings to the guests and visitors who had travelled from outside the village.

The event was graced by social activist B Kavine as chief guest; while H Tavine, Assistant Manager, Bank of Baroda, attended as guest of honour, along with other community leaders and representatives.

Addressing the gathering, H Tavine quoted Marcu Garvey, stating that "a people without the knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots," and emphasised the pivotal role women have played worldwide in preserving the culture and tradition.

She underlined the need to safeguard indigenous knowledge systems through education and active community participation.

Chief guest, B Kavine lauded the Laii Women Society for conceptualising and executing a meaningful cultural initiative.

She encouraged unemployed youth to undergo weaving training, noting that handloom Can provide a sustainable livelihood when skills are properly nurtured and supported.

Kavine further advocated the commercial expansion of the Vafiimai cotton towel, describing it as a product with strong market potential, and appealed for greater support to women-led initiatives.

In a significant gesture, she donated a weaving machine along with a monetary contribution to the Laii Women Society.

She also presented gifts to the Village Authority Council and the Laii Youth and Student Organisation (LYSO), and extended aid to three eldest women from each khel as a mark of respect.

The day-long festival featured exhibition stalls showcasing woven fabrics, bamboo crafts and traditional jewellery, live weaving demonstrations by master artisans, storytelling sessions on the origins of motifs, panel discussions aligned with the theme, and a vibrant cultural programme with folk activities and games.

Organisers expressed hope that Shamayra Nhi would evolve into an annual event, positioning Laii as an emerging craft hub in Manipur.

More than a festival, Shamayra Nhi -Weave Your Story stood as a celebration of identity, creativity and community resilience, reaffirming the vital role of women in preserving living heritage and weaving a sustainable future for generations to come.

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