By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: Meghalaya’s rich textile heritage is drawing international attention at Chiang Mai Design Week 2025 in Thailand with the state’s traditional Ryndia silk Jainsem textiles taking centre stage. The showcase is organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Representing Meghalaya is social entrepreneur Lucky Nora, founder of Zong Hi Studio, who is presenting handcrafted Ryndia silk Jainsem textiles created in close collaboration with local women weavers. Deeply rooted in Khasi culture, Ryndia silk is celebrated for its natural texture, durability, and sustainable production methods.
Nora’s designs maintain the authenticity of traditional Jainsem while adapting it for contemporary international audiences, reflecting a thoughtful blend of heritage and modernity.
The Meghalaya showcase has drawn widespread interest from international visitors, designers, and cultural practitioners. Festival interactions highlighted striking parallels between Meghalaya’s indigenous textile traditions and Northern Thailand’s Lanna crafts, particularly in their use of natural fibres, handwoven techniques, earthy colour palettes, and community-based weaving systems. These connections sparked meaningful cultural exchanges, underscoring shared values across indigenous traditions of the Eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia.
Participation at Chiang Mai Design Week 2025 marks a milestone for Ryndia silk, positioning it as a globally relevant and sustainable textile.
The exhibition has opened opportunities for design collaborations, international market engagement, and cultural dialogue, while reinforcing the impact of women-led enterprises in preserving living craft traditions.
