Culture, tradition top in National Handloom Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, August 07 2025:
The National Handloom Day was celebrated today at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, under the theme "Threads of Traditions: Weaving Culture Through Handlooms".
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel highlighted the importance of the day, calling it "a special occasion to celebrate the creativity, self-reliance, and invaluable contributions of our weavers and artisans".
He emphasized the strong social and cultural identity embedded in Manipur's weaving traditions.
Goel said, "From the vibrant Phanek and the elegant Moirang Phee to the intricate Wangkhei Phee, each handloom product tells a story - a narrative of heritage passed down through generations.
More than 2.5 lakh handloom workers, the majority of them women, contribute to this vibrant sector.
Their skills and dedication have earned Manipur a well-deserved place on India's handloom map.
Our State proudly boasts over 750 unique design motifs and 26 recognized handicrafts".
The Chief Secretary said that the State has prioritized the handloom and handicrafts sector as a key driver of inclusive development.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles several schemes are being implemented to support artisans and promote the industry.
Notably, the Cluster Development Projects under the National Handloom Development Programme have been providing infrastructure, raw material banks, and skill upgradation, and Deendayal Hastkala Sankul initiatives have been promoting marketing and branding platforms.
Direct Benefit Transfers and Weaver MUDRA loans have benefited thousands of artisans with financial assistance.
There have been training and design intervention programmes through institutions like IIHT and NIFT, and promotion of signature products such as Moirang Phee of Bishnupur and Kauna craft of Thoubal under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
The Government is also working to integrate traditional skills with digital tools, enabling artisans to access wider markets through e-commerce platforms, digital payments, and social media branding.
In addition, weavers are being provided with looms and accessories free of cost under various schemes.
Subsidized yams, GI registrations, and National and international branding efforts are also underway to uplift indigenous designs.
While celebrating these achievements, Chief Secretary, Dr Puneet Kumar Goel also acknowledged the existing challenges, including limited access to credit, marketing gaps, raw material shortages, and the need for modem design training.
He emphasised that there is need for establishment of Common Work sheds in every handloom-intensive block, promotion of youth entrepreneurship through skill-based start-up schemes, and linking of weavers to global markets.
Goel encouraged collaborations between designers and artisans to foster innovation while preserving traditional identities.
He further emphasised on the objective to transform handloom from a cultural tradition into a thriving, competitive industry that empowers families and strengthens communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industry), Anurag Bajpai said that this day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which ignited the movement for "self-reliance".
He stated that the day is a tribute to all the countless weavers across the Nation.
"For Manipur, this day holds even greater significance, as our State has long been a cradle of exquisite handloom and handicraft traditions.
Handloom is not merely a source of livelihood.
It is a symbol of India's civilizational legacy, a canvas of our rich diversity, and a pillar of rural and women-led economies.
The sector represents sustainability, creativity, and community-based enterprise - values deeply aligned with the ethos of Manipur," he said.
A film on "Manipur: Threads of Heritage, Hands of Prosperity" was showcased and a book titled "From Loom to Legacy: Crafts Story of Manipur" was launched on the occasion.
Padmashree Shilp Guru Machihan Sasa, Padmashree Radhe Sharmi, Shilp Guru G Shanti Devi, Aurineeta Das, Associate Professor, NIFT, Shillong, National awardee, K Medha Devi, Director of Handloom & Textiles, Elangbam Jeeten and several eminent artisans attended the event.
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