Handloom expo gets underway in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — State Handloom Expo (SHE) titled ‘Hathkargha Mela’ organised by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland and sponsored by Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, got underway at Imkongmeren Sports Complex in Mokokchung on Friday.

SHE- Hathkargha Mela was formally inaugurated by A Temjem Jamir, director of Industries and Commerce, in presence of the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung and officials from Ao Senden.

Speaking on the occasion, the director of Industries and Commerce informed that the SHE-Hathkargha Mela was meant for the state with 40 percent of the participants from the mainland India. Jamir added that out of the 60 stalls in the expo, twenty stalls have been provided to mainland India who are presenting various states across India.

He also acknowledged the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, for the opportunity to organise the national handloom expo.

Jamir also informed that the expo is being organised to highlight the artistry of the artisans from Nagaland.

He further informed that the Ministry of Textiles covers handicrafts and textiles units where entrepreneurs, craftsperson and artisans were given opportunity to showcase and sell their products in such mela. Besides, he stated that the ministry gives opportunity to the state and national awardees to expose their products.

In regards to handlooms and handicraft activities prevailing in the state, the director also suggested customising traditional products for marketing. He has advocated preserving traditional attires and traditional handicraft items.

Asenla Walling, executive engineer and programme officer of textiles under the Department of Industries and Commerce informed that the expo was exclusively for promoting local artisans and weavers. She stated that the expo was aimed at providing a platform to local artisans and weavers to showcase their products.

The artisans and weavers are exhibiting handicraft, handlooms, home furnishes and Banasar carpets and rugs.

Out of the 60 stalls, 40 participants are from Nagaland and the remaining participants are from Assam, UP, Jammu and Kashmir. The expo would culminate on February 15.