In a bid to empower local weavers and artisans, particularly those affected by ongoing unrest, a 14-day state Handloom Expo (Hathkargha Mela) began at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi in Imphal.
The event, organised by the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited and sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handloom and Handicrafts, Ministry of Textile, opened its doors to the public on Thursday.
The expo holds the promise of not only celebrating Manipur’s rich weaving and craftsmanship traditions but also fostering economic support for those affected by recent hardships in the region.
Featuring a diverse array of 60 stalls, the expo proudly included three to four stalls showcasing the craftsmanship of displaced individuals.
The initiative aimed to address the pressing issue of limited markets for handloom and handicraft products created by those residing in various relief camps.
E Jeeten, managing director of the corporation, acknowledged the challenges faced by displaced artisans in accessing markets for their creations and pledged the readiness of the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited to procure products from these individuals.
Priyadarshi Daripa, deputy director of Weavers Service Centre, emphasised that the expo offered a valuable opportunity for displaced individuals to showcase and sell their products crafted in relief camps.
The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the presence of M Sanjeevkumar Deputy Director (H) of the Office of Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, as well as Y Ashalata Devi project manager (HL) of District Handlooms and Textile, Imphal East among others.
