HT Bureau
DIPHU, Aug 7: The Handloom & Textiles Department of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) celebrated the 11th National Handloom Day at the conference hall of Jirsong Asong on Thursday, with the theme “Know Your Weaves.”
The event brought together departmental officials, handloom entrepreneurs, cooperative society members, and local weavers to discuss ways to promote indigenous weaving traditions and strengthen rural handloom economies.
Speaking on the occasion, Nirupuma Timungpi, Joint Secretary of the Handloom & Textiles Department, said the theme encouraged people to appreciate and understand the traditional textiles produced by local weavers.
She informed that the department plans to conduct a rural survey to create a database of weavers — both those who own looms and those who do not — in order to provide targeted support.
Joint Director Tapash Kumar Das noted that this was the seventh time KAAC had celebrated National Handloom Day.
He highlighted the potential for traditional weavers to expand into production of items like pillow covers, curtains, cloth bags, and designer apparel, and stressed the importance of connecting them with market channels to sell their products.
The event was also attended by Under Secretary Karon Hansepi, handloom entrepreneur Rongbin Aklam, proprietor of Umrasi Textiles Rijak Dera, and other officials and staff of the department.