TURA: With a view to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Handloom Cluster Expo cum Fashion Show was organised by the Department of Textiles at Tree House Resort, Tura on Monday.
GHADC Chairman Denang T Sangma who was the Chief Guest on the occasion congratulated the department for organising such events to promote traditional handloom materials and also create opportunity for the weavers of the region to market their products both domestically and internationally.
He said that this kind of platform which focuses on promoting the fashion industry will also encourage the designers and budding models of the region to join the sector. He urged the weavers to preserve and continue to carry on with their special skills of weaving and designing and take the industry to greater heights.Joint Director, Department of Textiles I A Diengdoh stated that the handloom sector in the state is one of the oldest which has been passed on from generation to generation and represents the rich heritage of the people of the region.
He also informed that the women based industry is the second largest employment provider after agriculture in the rural areas of the state adding that about 50, 000 families in the state are involved either directly or indirectly in various activities of handloom like rearing, spinning, dyeing, weaving, marketing and to some extent fashion.
Beautiful and exclusive collections of Eri and Muga fabric materials designed by the respective Textile designers of the department were displayed by models at the fashion show. The North Garo Hills displayed the traditional Garo and Rabha costume while Eri collection from sericulture and cotton from handloom was also displayed by East Garo Hills.
