The Gorkha Public Panchayat Hall in Chandmari, Kohima, hosted the opening of the two-week-long State Handloom Expo 2025 (Hathkargha Mela), which is part of the Aatmnirbhar Bharat Utsav. With the theme “My Handloom, My Pride,” the exhibition is being hosted by Nagaland Apex Weavers & Artisans Cooperative Federation (WEAFED) Ltd., Dimapur, and funded by the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It will continue till July 21.
Gwaruno Khing, managing director of WEAFED Ltd., spoke at the inaugural session and advised attendees to maintain high standards for product quality. He emphasized the central government’s efforts to market regional goods internationally and urged craftspeople to seize these chances by improving their branding and raising their level of market awareness. Khing explained that the primary goal of the expo was to provide a venue for weavers and craftspeople to exhibit, market, and sell their wares to a wider audience.
He went on to say that the event aims to create a thriving, sustainable handloom industry that encourages long-term employment and independence among the artisan community. He also underlined that by making it easier for handloom weavers in cluster areas to obtain upgraded looms, accessories, and subsidized yarn, the exhibition seeks to advance the general welfare and growth of these artisans. The event is being attended by 60 weavers and craftspeople from Assam and Nagaland.
