The vibrant world of Indian handlooms came alive today as the 24th National Level Handloom Expo kicked off at the Unit-III IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.
Organised by the Odisha State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. (Boyanika), the event was inaugurated at 6:30 P.M. by Pradeep Bal Samanta, Minister of Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Odisha. He was accompanied by Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government, Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department; Prakash Chandra Meher, President of Boyanika; Dr. Nivedita Prusty, IAS, Managing Director of Boyanika; and other senior officials.
This expo serves as a dynamic platform for handloom weavers from across India to showcase their intricate creations, foster knowledge exchange, and boost sales. Odisha’s renowned Ikat (Bandha) weaving, known for its timeless craftsmanship, takes centre stage, highlighting the state’s significant contribution to India’s textile legacy and the global handloom sector.
Sponsored by the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department of the Government of Odisha, the expo features 80 stalls provided free of charge to participants. Leading organisations such as Boyanika, Utkalika, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Resham Odisha, and 50 Primary Weavers’ Cooperative Societies (PWCS) from Odisha are joined by TATA Antaran, Gopalpur. Adding to the diversity, 20 weavers from states including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Gujarat are participating.
A standout feature is the theme pavilion, inspired by Dhauli-The Peace Pagoda, crafted by the Weavers Service Centre, Bhubaneswar. Visitors can explore a wide array of handwoven products reflecting India’s diverse weaving traditions, from elegant sarees and fabrics to contemporary designs incorporating modern colours and techniques.
The expo will run until February 22, 2026, open daily from 11:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. It aims to enhance marketing opportunities for weavers, promote cost efficiency, and facilitate interactions on skills and trends. Organisers anticipate a business turnover of approximately Rs. 10 crore, underscoring the event’s economic impact on the handloom community.
In his inaugural address, Minister Bal Samanta emphasised the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage while empowering weavers through such national platforms. The expo not only celebrates artistic excellence but also supports sustainable livelihoods in the handloom sector, aligning with broader goals of cultural preservation and economic growth.
