National Handloom Expo showcases India’s rich weaving heritage in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb 7 : The 24th National Level Handloom Expo was inaugurated here on Saturday, offering a vibrant national platform for handloom weavers to showcase and market their products while celebrating India’s diverse weaving traditions.

Inaugurating the Expo, Odisha Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said the event not only provides marketing opportunities to weavers from across the country but also encourages meaningful interaction among them. Such exchanges, he noted, help artisans share knowledge on skills, techniques, cost efficiency, and evolving colour and design trends prevalent in different states.

Highlighting Odisha’s contribution to India’s textile legacy, the Minister said the State’s handwoven textiles have earned global recognition, particularly the traditional Ikat (Bandha) weaving, which is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

The Expo aims to strengthen marketing support for weavers from Odisha and other states by offering a common platform for the display and sale of handloom products. Leading state-level organizations including Boyanika, Utkalika, Sambalpuri Bastralaya and Resham Odisha are participating, along with 50 Primary Weavers’ Cooperative Societies (PWCS) from Odisha and TATA Antaran, Gopalpur. In addition, 20 participants from outside the State are also taking part.

A total of 80 stalls have been set up at the Expo, featuring handloom products from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Gujarat.

One of the major attractions is the theme pavilion based on Dhauli – The Peace Pagoda, designed by the Weavers Service Centre, Bhubaneswar. Visitors can explore and purchase a wide range of handwoven products representing diverse weaving traditions from across the country.

The business turnover during the Expo is expected to touch Rs 10 crore, the Minister said.