West Garo Hills, visionary entrepreneur Vivian A Sangma is the driving force in the local eri silk industry, taking it to the next level. She has established a cocoon processing unit converting eri and muga cocoons into yarn, making her the sole player in this sector.

East Garo Hills, Ripok Dokatchi is a cooperative of about fifteen talented women artisans. They skillfully blend modern elements with traditional eri craftsmanship to create enchanting pieces. Each product proudly sports the Silk Board’s coveted Silk Mark, guaranteeing pure, natural silk use.

In the world of the Garos, the muikron, their signature concentric diamond motif, like a watchful eye, adorns the borders of their dakmanda and dakchari. The muikron is more than a motif; it symbolises auspiciousness.

West Khasi Hills, Wallambok Pyngrope received the ‘Best Achievers Award in Sericulture 2019’ from the Central Silk Board, the Ministry of Textiles, and the ‘Chief Minister’s E-Champion Award 2019’ from the Government of Meghalaya for his remarkable contributions to the industry.

The Eri silkworms are reared by the weavers and are one of the only silks extracted from cocoons without killing the silkworm. Hence, it is also known as “Peace silk” or “Ahimsa silk”. With its rustic look, Eri silk has great thermal properties making it cool in summers, warm in winters and has also been certified as eco-friendly.

The traditional textiles of the Khasis - Eri Silk, Un-dyed and Plaid Ryndia used as stoles/ shawls. Handloom weaving with unique and traditional techniques is an old-age process of the Khasis — a small ethnic group from the state of Meghalaya in North East India. Weaving Ryndia is an art passed down through.

Enter the magical world of NELA and be amazed at the creativity and vision of its founder, thirty-nine-year-old Shri James Eventis Dkhar has a string of qualifications in handlooms besides his school education. He is many things in one: a weaving teacher, master trainer, PRIME entrepreneur, and textile producer, and he has won many awards in the field of weaving.

Ri-Bhoi district has emerged as a vital Eri silk centre, with the Umden-Diwon cluster of villages set up as the hub of Eri silk production in the State. This area is among the repositories of the knowledge of silkworm rearing and weaving in Meghalaya, the art handed down from one generation to the next.

Step into EriWeave’sworld, an extraordinary venture founded by a maths schoolteacher, Iaishah Rymbai. Hailing from Iapngar in RiBhoi district, she has earned a spot among the top 50 entrepreneurs of Meghalaya’s PRIME Cohort 2.0. At EriWeave, they craft hand-spun eri yarn and hand-woven eri fabric, showcasing the artistic finesse of Meghalaya’s women artisans, seamlessly blending art and style, a true ode to tradition.

As well as minor tribes like the Hajongs, Koch, and Rabhas. To the people of Meghalaya, weaving is an esteemed heirloom, a source of pride intertwined with ancestral knowledge and cherished family secrets that trickled down the generations.

The Jaintias’ enchanting mauve and black, thoh saru stripes, will never fail to accentuate the elegance of their wearers and add to their grace.