Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu at the concluding day of the 11th edition of the Naga Loinloom Festival on December 9 (DIPR Photo).
11th Naga Loinloom Festival concludes
CHÜMOUKEDIMA, DECEMBER 9 (MExN): The 11th edition of the Naga Loinloom Festival, a two-day event themed “Livelihood Through Traditions – Preserving Naga Heritage: The Art of Loinloom Weaving,” concluded on Tuesday at Weavers Place, Diezephe village, Chümoukedima. Organised by the Exotic Echo Society in partnership with Nagaland Tourism as part of the Hornbill Festival, the event celebrated the cultural art of loinloom weaving, a craft integral to the identity and livelihood of Naga communities.
Speaking as the special guest, Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu emphasised the need to preserve and promote Naga identity, culture, and traditions through continued support for indigenous weaving practices. She lauded the organisers and the weaver community for their dedication to safeguarding the rich legacy of loinloom weaving.
Jakhalu highlighted that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has formed a high-level task force to strengthen the handloom and handicraft sectors in the region. She said the initiative aims to create a structured support system for promoting traditional crafts in Nagaland.
The Advisor added that the Department of Industries is committed to assisting weavers with marketing and exposure, encouraging artisans to expand their products beyond the state. She noted the growing demand for natural fibres and dyeing techniques and urged weavers to leverage Nagaland’s strengths in organic cotton and eri silk. “By doing so, Naga handloom can carve out a distinctive niche in national and international markets,” she said. Jakhalu assured continued departmental support for the Naga Loinloom Festival and other initiatives that uplift weavers and safeguard the state’s textile heritage.
Short addresses were also delivered by Imlinungla, President of Naga Women Hoho; Ekonthung Tsunglao, Coordinator of NHDC Dimapur; and Keholeno Kennao, Senior Tourist Officer, Dimapur.
The festival featured folk dances, songs, craft workshops, live weaving demonstrations, weaving and warping competitions, organic cotton weaving, and an exhibition-cum-sale of traditional handwoven products. Artisans, performers, researchers, and weaving enthusiasts from across Nagaland participated in the event. The programme was chaired by Lucy Semy Seb, Secretary, Exotic Echo Society.
