Shillong: Meghalaya’s handloom sector feeds 50,000 households. Textiles Minister Metbah Lyngdoh confirmed this figure during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations held August 7 in Shillong. Women make up 70 percent of the workforce. They keep the industry moving.
The event at the State Guest House kicked off Handloom Week. Attendees included Principal Secretary Frederick R. Kharkongor and representatives from NIFT Shillong, MIT University of Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society. Lyngdoh told the crowd, “Handloom continues to play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods, particularly in rural communities, and supports over 50,000 households, with women constituting nearly 70 per cent of those engaged in the sector.”
The state aims to boost income for local artisans. Officials are pushing central and state schemes to improve infrastructure and market access. Six women weavers received honors for their craftsmanship and dedication to traditional methods.
The program, themed Weave with Innovation, featured cultural performances and a fashion show. The Khmih Creative Society performed the Ryndia Song. Designer Sakaru Kyndiah showcased contemporary apparel made from traditional textiles by ZON Shillong staff. NIFT Shillong promised to build a new textile repository to document ancient crafts.
Several groups released new design resources. These include the Meghalaya Handloom Look Book from MSRLS and IICD Jaipur, along with a guide on North East apparel from MIT University of Meghalaya. Lyngdoh toured exhibition stalls and accepted the national flag for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. He called on stakeholders to protect the state’s weaving heritage.
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