The 24th State-level Handloom Day was celebrated at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul on Tuesday, organised by Handlooms Promotion Council, Manipur under the aegis of the state Handlooms and Textiles Department.
Speaking on the occasion, the chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Women, Ulka Salam, stated that although handloom had gradually faded with the changing of time, the historical significance of handloom still remains the primary art form through which Manipuri women asserted their power of self-determination.
She highlighted that the state’s handloom industry put Manipur on the world map of handloom and also maintained that several weavers had achieved numerous recognitions for their contribution to the art form.
“Even during these testing times, several women staying at relief camps are turning to handloom to sustain their livelihood; it has become a feasible livelihood option for displaced women at the camps as such the government and authorities concerned should also look into this,” she said.
She further highlighted that the varied handloom products of Manipur were one of the primary tourist attractions which drew people from all over the world to the state. It has also played a crucial role in unifying the different communities in Manipur, she added.
President of the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicraft Artisans’ CS Ltd (AWAS) Indira Kshetrimayum, deputy commissioner of Imphal East Khumanthem Diana along with several weavers and artisans among others attended the celebration.
