State Handloom Expo in Kohima promotes sustainable crafts

Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 8

A two-week long State Handloom Expo 2025 (Hathkargha Mela) commenced under the theme “My Handloom My Pride” at Gorkha Public Panchayat Hall, Chandmari, Kohima on July 8. 

The Expo, comprising 60 stalls from different parts of the state including Assam features collection of handlooms and handicrafts.

The products, ranking from shawl, mekhala, traditional bag, toy, doll, bamboo cup, basket, souvenir, sandle, necklace, tools and equipments etc. are sold at reasonable rate.

The Expo is organised Nagaland Apex Weavers & Artisans Cooperative Federation Ltd Dimapur (WEAFED) (Undertaking by Government of Nagaland)  and sponsored by office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi.

The primary objectives of a State Handloom Expo is to provide a platform for weavers and artisans to showcase and sell their products, promote the handloom and handicraft sector, and foster business opportunities within the industry.

The Expo also aim to increase awareness about the handloom industry's potential for employment and income generation, and to promote the government's vision of sustainable cottage industries.

The Expo will keep open for public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

‘Prioritize quality products’
Inaugurating the Expo, WEAFED managing director Gwaruno Khing urged upon the weavers and artisans to make the best use of their skills and scale up the production.

Insisting them to be serious and prioritize quality products, he assured that the Government is there to facilitate the market linkages and expansion of their business.

Khing also said that genuine weavers and artisans will be connected with machinery scheme.

Meanwhile, officials of the industries & commerce department will have interaction with the participants on July 9.

The Weavers Service Centre, Toluvi, Dimapur is also showcasing various handloom products at the Expo to develop a strong, vibrant handloom sector to provide sustainable employment to handloom weavers.

The Expo also spreads awareness on Weavers Mudra Scheme and Handloom Marketing Assistance (HMA), Raw Material Supply Scheme etc.