Mekhela Wednesday: A therapeutic tradition at SAS campus

DIMAPUR — At Nagaland University’s School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus, the women have been observing Mekhela Wednesday for the past two years.

“It’s become a kind of therapy — a midweek ritual that lifts our spirits, even if just for a few minutes when they gather to take pictures.

“Mekhela Wednesday is not just about wearing mekhelas every Wednesday and posting pictures on Instagram or Facebook — it’s much more than that. A powerful narrative drives this movement, and it’s what keeps them going,” an update from SAS Medziphema Campus stated.

The initiative's core objective is to preserve traditional weaving and support weavers' livelihoods through a workplace-driven movement. It emphasises that wearing mekhelas encourages purchases, which in turn empowers weavers in multiple ways.

“Most importantly, we contribute to conserving our traditional art of loinloom weaving,” said Prof. J Longkumer, Associate Dean of Students.

Also read: Weaving dreams: Virokono Kuotsu’s journey with Mekhala

“Mekhela Wednesday has also helped us form strong bonds," she added.

The women of the campus — teachers, guest faculty, women scientists, and project assistants — even share a WhatsApp group called the ‘SAS Super Girls.’

On August 6, a mini exhibition-cum-sale was held on campus to support a small, upcoming enterprise — the_perfect_weaves — run by two sisters and four sisters-in-law from Naga United Village in Chümoukedima.

The group had woven 50 mekhelas for an exhibition that was cancelled at the last minute, leaving them anxious and uncertain. To support them, they were invited to showcase and sell their work at the university.

The event turned into a joyful lunch break gathering, where women came together to support one another and uplift these homegrown entrepreneurs. In this simple yet meaningful way, the ladies of Medziphema Campus contributed to sustaining the keepers of our traditional craft.

“Mekhela then is not just a garment — it is a link to the past, present, and future. It is the fabric of sisterhood,” the update added.