Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Handloom Haat: The Handloom Experience Centre at Janpath in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards promoting India’s rich handloom heritage while creating greater visibility and market opportunities for weavers, artisans, designers and handloom enterprises.
The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of the official Handloom Haat logo. Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao and Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena were present on the occasion.
Showcasing India’s Living Handloom Heritage
The new centre brings together several dimensions of India’s handloom ecosystem, including traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, contemporary design, enterprise, research and retail. Designed as an integrated platform for Handloom Excellence, Experience and Enterprise, the centre aims to offer visitors a deeper understanding of the people, processes and traditions behind India’s handwoven textiles.
The inaugural programme featured an exhibition showcasing the work of 24 award-winning weavers, organised by the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC). More than 30 curated brands also participated through the fifth edition of Weave The Future 5.0, creating a platform for collaboration between weavers, designers, researchers, brands and other stakeholders.
The showcase highlighted sustainable and circular approaches to textile production, with products developed using handloom techniques and regenerative materials. Indigenous fibres, material innovation and responsible textile practices were among the key themes.
Installations at the centre also explored India’s diverse indigenous fibre landscape and the links between geography, agriculture, ecology and textile production.
Three Floors, Multiple Dimensions of Craft
Handloom Haat offers visitors a curated experience spread across three floors, each focusing on a different aspect of India’s textile traditions and contemporary handloom sector.
The ground floor hosts a temporary exhibition titled “Reimagining Odisha Weaves, Cloth, Craft, Creativity, Community”, presented by Vriksh Designs. The exhibition demonstrates how contemporary design and collaboration with master weavers can contribute to reviving regional textile traditions.
It showcases lesser-known Odisha traditions such as Ganjam Bomkai and Dhalapathar Tapestry, alongside new explorations in Ikat, Jaala and Phoda weaving. Natural dyes, innovative colour palettes, textures, motifs and contemporary product forms further demonstrate how traditional techniques can evolve for modern audiences.
The first floor houses the Visvakarma Gallery, a permanent exhibition featuring rare textiles from the landmark Visvakarma exhibition series held between 1981 and 1991. Created through Weavers’ Service Centres in partnership with weaving communities, these textiles represent the intersection of technical expertise, creativity and experimentation in post-independence India.
The gallery also honours Sant Kabir Award and Padma Shri Award recipients for their contributions to Indian handloom traditions and their role in preserving and advancing the sector.
The second floor features the Design Conclave and an immersive experience inspired by India’s forests. Visitors can explore the rich range of animal, bird, floral and nature-inspired motifs that have long been incorporated into the country’s diverse handloom traditions.
Greater Market Opportunities for Weavers
During his visit, Shri Giriraj Singh toured retail outlets and interacted with weavers, artisans and designers. He took interest in the variety of handloom traditions, techniques, products and contemporary innovations displayed at the centre.
The Minister said that Handloom Haat will create greater visibility and market opportunities for weavers and handloom enterprises.
Beyond being a retail destination, the centre is envisioned as a space where visitors can understand the cultural, ecological and entrepreneurial dimensions of Indian handlooms. By connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and responsible production, Handloom Haat seeks to strengthen the relevance of India’s handloom sector for new generations of consumers.
The initiative provides a dedicated platform to celebrate India’s living textile heritage while supporting the artisans and enterprises whose skills continue to sustain the country’s diverse handloom traditions.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
