Handloom Expo kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2025:
The 14-day State Handloom Expo (Hathkargha Mela) 2025 organised by the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Manipur kickstarted at Imphal Gandhi Memorial (GM) Hall today.
Elangbam Jiten, Director, Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles Manipur inaugurated the handloom expo sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director addressed the hardships that will befall the handloom artisans of the State with the introduction of mechanisation in the handloom sector.
In order to prevent mechanisation from snatching their jobs, he advised the artisans to focus on product diversification and launch products with the potential to compete in national and international markets.
According to the 4th National Handloom Census, there are 2.80 lakh handloom weavers in Manipur.
Saying that some handloom artisans have been missed in this census, he assured their inclusion in the next one.
He stated that the expo provides a great marketing opportunity for the State weavers and a chance for them to share their experiences.
The inaugural event was also attended by Sarbeswar Das, Assistant Director, Weavers Service Centre Imphal; Sant Kabir Awardee Wahengbam Shaya Devi and Th Basanta, Deputy Director, Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles as the guests of honour.
In observance of Patriots' Day, the gathering offered floral tributes to Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.




