CULMINATION OF NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY CELEBRATIONS

About the Event

14 August 2026

Integrated Textile Tourism Complex (ITTC), Ri Sai, Nongpoh

CULMINATION OF NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY CELEBRATIONS

The culmination of the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations, held on 14 August 2026 at the Integrated Textile Tourism Complex (ITTC), Ri Sai, Nongpoh, brought together policymakers, weavers, farmers, artisans, designers, institutions, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders to celebrate Meghalaya’s rich handloom heritage and explore new opportunities for its growth. The programme highlighted the continuing transformation of Meghalaya’s textile sector, with a focus on heritage, livelihoods, innovation, market access, design and global recognition.

Event Highlights

The programme began with a cultural welcome at the gate of ITTC, followed by the escort of dignitaries for various inaugurations. The Tricolour was hoisted as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga initiative on the lawns of the Retail Plaza, followed by the inauguration of exhibition stalls at the entrance of the Amphitheatre and the India on Ryndia Exhibition at K.L. Bajoria College. The dignitaries were then escorted for the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence and a visit to the cottages, before proceeding to the main venue. The formal programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Shri Frederick R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles, followed by the Lighting of the Loom Lamp and a Textiles Song by Khmih Creative Society.

Key Addresses and Messages

The event featured a series of insightful addresses from distinguished guests, bringing together perspectives on the future of Meghalaya’s handloom and textile sector. Chief Guest Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, emphasised that Meghalaya’s textiles and crafts embody the state’s identity, culture and heritage, and called for greater focus on training, technology, entrepreneurship, research and market-driven development, with stronger collaboration among farmers, weavers, designers, tourism stakeholders and institutions. He stressed the need for products that prioritise comfort, sustainability, simplicity and storytelling, while highlighting the potential of textile tourism and the upcoming “Tracing Our Roots” initiative to document and preserve the heritage of the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities. Guest of Honour Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, further emphasised taking government support directly to farmers, weavers and artisans, calling for a Weavers’ Service Centre in Meghalaya, alongside stronger research, training and infrastructure, while encouraging greater youth participation and recognising weaving as an expression of self-reliance. Dr Shakil Ahammed, IAS, Chief Secretary, highlighted Ryndia’s potential to drive cultural revival, sustainable livelihoods and economic growth, calling for stronger collaboration supported by market demand, certified quality, shared infrastructure and continuous research, while stressing value over volume.

The Continuing this vision, Shri Frederick R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles, described the sector as a sunrise sector, highlighting its transformation through the Four Rs — Revival, Resilience, Resurgence and Reimagination, along with milestones such as Umden-Diwon as a Silk Village and Ryndia’s GI recognition. He called for greater value addition from farm to fibre, fibre to fabric and fabric to fashion, supported by innovation, digital empowerment, global collaboration and textile tourism. Shri Mayralborn Syiem, MLA, Nongpoh, highlighted the need to strengthen the Ryndia value chain, particularly cocoon rearing and spinning, and proposed a cocoon bank while stressing master training and youth skill development. Bringing perspectives from fashion and education, Dr Brijesh Deore, Director, NIFT, reaffirmed NIFT’s commitment to Meghalaya’s artisans through research, documentation and collaboration, including the development of a craft repository.

Mr Santosh Sivan, International Textile Entrepreneur, emphasised combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, innovation and storytelling, highlighting Ryndia Eri silk’s potential in international markets. Adding an industry perspective, Mr Precious Star Tmung, President, Ryndia Meghalaya Association, highlighted the growing recognition of Ryndia, progress towards GI user registration and increasing global demand for sustainable, handmade and traceable textiles, stressing that international recognition must ultimately translate into better livelihoods for rearers, spinners and weavers who sustain Meghalaya’s textile heritage.

Gallery image The event featured a series of insightful addresses from distinguished guests, bringing together perspectives on the future of Meghalaya’s handloom and textile sector. Chief Guest Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, emphasised that Meghalaya’s textiles and crafts embody the state’s identity, culture and heritage, and called for greater focus on training, technology, entrepreneurship, research and market-driven development, with stronger collaboration among farmers, weavers, designers, tourism stakeholders and institutions. He stressed the need for products that prioritise comfort, sustainability, simplicity and storytelling, while highlighting the potential of textile tourism and the upcoming “Tracing Our Roots” initiative to document and preserve the heritage of the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities. Gallery image Guest of Honour Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, further emphasised taking government support directly to farmers, weavers and artisans, calling for a Weavers’ Service Centre in Meghalaya, alongside stronger research, training and infrastructure, while encouraging greater youth participation and recognising weaving as an expression of self-reliance. Gallery image Dr Shakil Ahammed, IAS, Chief Secretary, highlighted Ryndia’s potential to drive cultural revival, sustainable livelihoods and economic growth, calling for stronger collaboration supported by market demand, certified quality, shared infrastructure and continuous research, while stressing value over volume. Gallery image Continuing this vision, Shri Frederick R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles, described the sector as a sunrise sector, highlighting its transformation through the Four Rs — Revival, Resilience, Resurgence and Reimagination, along with milestones such as Umden-Diwon as a Silk Village and Ryndia’s GI recognition. He called for greater value addition from farm to fibre, fibre to fabric and fabric to fashion, supported by innovation, digital empowerment, global collaboration and textile tourism. Gallery image Shri Mayralborn Syiem, MLA, Nongpoh, highlighted the need to strengthen the Ryndia value chain, particularly cocoon rearing and spinning, and proposed a cocoon bank while stressing master training and youth skill development. Gallery image Bringing perspectives from fashion and education, Dr Brijesh Deore, Director, NIFT, reaffirmed NIFT’s commitment to Meghalaya’s artisans through research, documentation and collaboration, including the development of a craft repository, while Gallery image Mr Santosh Sivan, International Textile Entrepreneur, emphasised combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, innovation and storytelling, highlighting Ryndia Eri silk’s potential in international markets. Adding an industry perspective, Mr Precious Star Tmung, President, Ryndia Meghalaya Association, highlighted the growing recognition of Ryndia, progress towards GI user registration and increasing global demand for sustainable, handmade and traceable textiles, stressing that international recognition must ultimately translate into better livelihoods for rearers, spinners and weavers who sustain Meghalaya’s textile heritage.

Showcases and Presentations

The The programme featured a series of showcases celebrating Meghalaya’s evolving textile ecosystem, beginning with the Sakaru (Mother & Child) fashion sequence, followed by the Looms to Legacy costume showcase by MSRLS and the Ryndia Rewoven collection showcase by MIT. A video presentation by the Department of Mass Media, St. Anthony’s College highlighted the importance of branding and social media marketing in creating greater visibility and market opportunities for Meghalaya’s textile products. Together, the showcases brought traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design, storytelling and innovation to the forefront.

Releases

The The programme also witnessed the release of several publications and collections by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and dignitaries. The Department of Textiles released its Textiles Documentation, while MSRLS released its Look Book, Field Facilitator Guide and Craft Collection. MIT also presented a collection of seven waistcoats, reflecting the growing emphasis on documentation, product development, design and contemporary applications of Meghalaya’s textile traditions.

Awards and Recognition

The The celebrations also recognised excellence across Meghalaya’s textile ecosystem. The Department of Textiles presented awards for Best Textile Entrepreneur, Best Weaver, Best Eri Farmer, and Best Content Creators for Branding & Social Media Marketing, acknowledging contributions across entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, sericulture and digital promotion. MSRLS also honoured a Best Weaver and Best Master Trainer, recognising excellence in weaving and the transmission of traditional skills. The programme further marked the announcement of the Meghalaya Design Awards through a video release, underscoring the growing importance of design, creativity and innovation in shaping the future of Meghalaya’s textile sector.

Overall Message

The culmination of the National Handloom Day celebrations reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to moving its textile sector from heritage to opportunity, strengthening the connection between farm, fibre, fabric, fashion, culture and commerce. The collective message from the programme was that Meghalaya’s traditional knowledge and craftsmanship can form the foundation for a stronger and more competitive textile economy when supported by design, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, research, infrastructure and market access. The larger vision is to transform Meghalaya’s rich textile heritage into high-value, globally recognised products, while ensuring that the benefits reach the farmers, rearers, spinners, weavers, artisans and entrepreneurs who sustain the sector. By protecting traditional knowledge while embracing contemporary design and new markets, Meghalaya can carry its textile heritage from heritage to opportunity, from state to trend, and from local craftsmanship to global recognition.

Key Addresses and Messages