Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated National Handloom Expo was inaugurated today at the IDCO Exhibition Ground by Pradeep Bala Samanta, Minister for Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts. This annual event aims to promote India’s rich handloom heritage while providing a platform for skilled artisans and weavers to showcase their craftsmanship.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until April 1, offering a unique opportunity to explore and purchase authentic handloom products. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM, the expo seeks to bridge the gap between traditional weavers and modern consumers, fostering a greater appreciation for indigenous textiles.

A wide selection of Odisha’s famed handloom textiles, including Sambalpuri, Sonepuri, Bomkai, Khanduapata, Maniabandhi, and Habaspuri, will be available for purchase. These exquisite weaves, known for their intricate designs and cultural significance, reflect the deep-rooted traditions of the state’s weaving communities.

One of the standout attractions at the expo is the Karuna silk collection, which has gained popularity for its ethical and sustainable production process. Additionally, the exhibition features a diverse range of handloom textiles from various regions across India, including the fine Jamdani and Tangail weaves of West Bengal, the luxurious Pashmina shawls of Jammu and Kashmir, the vibrant Kanjivaram silks of Tamil Nadu, and elegant silk sarees from Karnataka. Home furnishing fabrics from Delhi and Haryana further add to the variety, offering visitors a comprehensive look at India’s vast textile landscape.

Beyond being a shopping destination, the expo serves as a crucial platform to support handloom artisans and promote sustainable fashion. Through direct engagement with weavers, visitors can learn about the intricate craftsmanship behind each piece and the efforts taken to preserve India’s rich textile heritage. Events like these not only celebrate the diversity of Indian handlooms but also encourage consumers to embrace and support traditional weaving techniques in an era dominated by mass-produced textiles