Imphal, August 7: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted the significant role of women in the state’s handloom sector during the 12th National Handloom Day celebration at the Imphal Convention Centre. He noted that approximately 95% of handloom producers in the state are women, with men comprising the remaining 5%.
The event was attended by the state’s Governor, Anusuiya Uikey, and Chief Minister Singh. He emphasized that National Handloom Day is celebrated across the country to commemorate the historic Swadeshi movement, which began in 1905 in Kolkata as a protest against the British partition of Bengal. This movement promoted the use of indigenous products, particularly handwoven textiles and locally made goods.
Chief Minister Singh mentioned that on August 7, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated National Handloom Day in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Since then, the country has celebrated this important day, empowering handloom and handicraft artisans and weavers.
Reflecting on his childhood, Singh stated that in Manipur, where handloom weaving is a family tradition, women contribute significantly to household expenses through income generated from handloom activities.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the event’s purpose is to promote and encourage the handloom and handicraft sector in the country. In Manipur, both men and women involved in handloom and handicrafts are creating a variety of new and unique products. These creations are gaining recognition not only within the state but also in external markets.
He encouraged men to also embrace handloom products, which are predominantly used by women. The event was organized by the Manipur government’s Department of Textiles, Commerce, and Industry under the theme “Threads of Tradition: Weaving Culture through Handloom.” A short documentary titled “Threads of Heritage” was screened, and a data book on handloom was officially released, along with a coffee table book named “Threads of Heritage: Traditional and GI-Tagged Handwoven Stoles of Manipur.”
During the program, awards were presented to the best handloom weavers and handicraft artisans for the year 2025-26. Winners of the ‘Best Cluster Designer Award’ for home furnishings at the National Handloom Designers Conclave 2026 were also honored.
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