Shillong, Aug 7: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, marked the National Handloom Day with a celebration showcasing the cultural and textile richness of Northeast India. The day was filled with activities including a Saree Draping Workshop, an ethnic fashion show highlighting traditional handwoven textiles of the region, and a spirited Bihu dance performance that brought alive the essence of Northeast heritage.
The event was graced by Pooja Pandey, Director, Census Operations of Citizen Registration, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. In her address, Pandey underscored the importance of the Make in India initiative and emphasized that the handloom sector is the second-largest employment generator in the country after agriculture, especially for women, allowing them to work from home while preserving cultural traditions. She stressed the need for widespread support to sustain and promote India’s indigenous weaving traditions and urged everyone to champion handloom by incorporating it into everyday fashion and lifestyle.
Shankar Kumar Jha, Director of NIFT Shillong, highlighted the connection between the Swadeshi movement and handloom, pointing out that students and faculty are key stakeholders in the preservation of traditional arts. He noted that the motifs and patterns found in regional handlooms are original, culturally rooted designs that must be protected and promoted as invaluable artistic heritage.
The Saree Draping Workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, learning the diverse draping styles from various Indian states. The fashion show presented garments crafted from traditional handwoven fabrics, reimagined in contemporary silhouettes, bringing together heritage and innovation on the runway.
Through this celebration, NIFT Shillong reaffirmed its commitment to conserving India’s handloom legacy, while empowering the next generation of designers to take this tradition forward with pride and purpose.
