Kohima: Orenthung Lotha opened the two-week State Handloom Expo at Gorkha Public Panchayat Hall in Chandmari, Kohima, on September 28. The event, themed My Handloom My Pride, runs until October 12. Visitors can browse stalls daily between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It is a big show.
Lotha, the commissioner and secretary for Cooperation and Information and Public Relations, praised the local artisans for driving the economy. He highlighted the unique textile heritage of the North East, where tribes weave individual identities into their work. He told the gathered crowd, "North East is known for its rich textiles, heritage where every tribe weaves its own identity and story into the loom."
The event hosts 60 stalls total. Local Nagaland artisans occupy 40 spots, while 20 stalls feature creators from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Sellers are offering shawls, mekhalas, traditional bags, toys, dolls, and necklaces at affordable prices.
Gwaruno Khing, managing director of the Nagaland Apex Weavers and Artisans Cooperative Federation Ltd, noted that the government plans to host more events and launch training programs for workers. The Ministry of Textiles sponsors the event, which aims to connect weavers with broader markets. Attendees at the opening included Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Asosala and Joint Registrar Rokovisa Chase.
Updated at 29th September 2026 at 2:15pm
The event is formally known as the Hathkargha Mela. It is organized by the Nagaland Apex Weavers and Artisans Cooperative Federation Ltd (WEAFED) and backed by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi.
During the opening, Lotha pushed the artisans to sharpen their traditional designs for better commercial appeal. He told them to stay focused and keep working toward the goal of Viksit Bharat, or a developed India by 2047. The expo also targets Self Help Groups to give them a wider reach for their goods.
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