Gangtok, September 2 (IPR): The State Handloom Expo 2024-25 commenced today at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom(DHH), Zero point organised by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (SHHDC), sponsored by the Office of the Development Commisioner (Handlooms) Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The expo was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mr Karma R Bonpo, Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department in the presence of Mrs Kincho Doma Lepcha, Special Secretary, Ecclesiastical Department, Mr Tenzing Loden Lepcha, Senior SP , Gangtok District, Mr Tenzing Gelay, Additional Director, Ecclesiastical Department, Mr Tshering Topgay Bhutia, Director-Handicrafts and Handloom, Mr Tshering Dorjee Bhutia, Joint Director-Handicrafts and Handloom and other Officers and staff of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Department, media personnel and the local public.
The expo featured a total number of 66 stalls from Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Bihar , Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim.
Handloom items created by the local weavers and Self Help Groups from different parts of the state were showcased for sale. Participants included Pratigya SHG, Namchi Sammy weaves, Hee Bermiok, Amu Sakchum SHG, Dzongu, Sapreynagi SHG and Okharey Trishana SHG.
It may be mentioned, expos like this offer a platform to showcase creativity, support Indian weavers, SHGs, artisans, and artists, sustain their livelihoods, and provide diverse marketing opportunities.
For information, the State Handloom Expo 2024-25 will continue till September 14.