By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 7: On Day 2 of the week-long National Handloom Day celebrations at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, a Saree Draping Workshop, an ethnic fashion show highlighting traditional handwoven textiles of the region, and a spirited Bihu dance performance brought alive the essence of Northeast heritage on Thursday.
The event was graced by Dr 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 emphasised 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.
Director of NIFT Shillong, Shankar Kumar Jha, 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.