Under the warm evening lights of the capital, Odisha’s centuries-old handloom legacy walked the ramp with quiet confidence and modern elegance.
On the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day, the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the Government of Odisha organised a spectacular fashion show that seamlessly blended the skill of the state’s weavers with contemporary design language.
Presented jointly by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar, and Liva of the Aditya Birla Group, the show unfolded in four distinct sequences. The first two, curated by NIFT, celebrated GI-tagged treasures: ten modern garments crafted from the historic Dhalapathar curtains and fabrics, followed by ten striking ensembles that highlighted the natural lustre of Tussar.
Liva then took over with two equally compelling presentations. Twelve exquisite sarees from the renowned Nuapatna cluster glided down the ramp, their intricate motifs telling stories of generations of craftsmanship. The final sequence brought Bargarh’s celebrated Double Ikat to life through twelve contemporary garments – six for men and six for women – proving that traditional techniques can look completely at home in today’s wardrobes.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the evening carried a clear message of purpose. The show focused on three interconnected goals: sustainability, value-chain development and greater global market access. By honouring age-old weaving methods while reducing environmental impact, the organisers aim to build lasting models of sustainable fashion. The event also sought to strengthen the entire ecosystem – linking weavers, designers and supply-chain partners – so that Odisha’s handloom home and office textiles can reach international design markets with greater design-led appeal.
Adding further significance to the day, the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Liva earlier in the morning. The partnership will support regenerative fibre clusters, with a special focus on Lyocell, reinforcing the state’s commitment to environmentally responsible growth.
Senior officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Smt. Guha Punam Tapas Kumar, Director of Textiles and Handlooms Sri Surya Narayan Pattanaik, Additional Secretary Madhusmita Behera, Joint Secretary Mamata Nayak, Special Officer Indira Behera and other department representatives, were present to witness the celebration. They were joined by Prof. Dr. Vibhabari Kumar, Director of NIFT Bhubaneswar, along with Bhavna Mall, Subhendu Barman and Priyanka Priyadarsini, Senior Vice President of Liva’s saree category from the Aditya Birla Group.
In its quiet yet powerful way, the evening reaffirmed the Odisha government’s continued dedication to its weaving communities, the nurturing of regional artisan clusters, and the ambition of placing the state’s handlooms firmly on the global fashion map. For one night in Bhubaneswar, every thread told a story of pride, progress and possibility.
