National Handloom Day 2026 Celebrated at Chizami
On 7 August 2026, National Handloom Day was celebrated by Nenterprise–Chizami Weaves and North East Network (NEN) in collaboration with Li Cheh Kro Weavers Producers Co. Ltd. (LCK) at Hope Hall, NEN Resource Centre, Chizami, under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future: Weaving Traditions That Sustain Tomorrow.”
A total of 144 weavers and community leaders from 18 villages participated in the programme, reflecting the vibrant spirit and resilience of the weaving community.
The Guest Speaker, Madam Mhalo Humtsoe, ADC Pfutsero, emphasized that “every weaving design and pattern carries the history, identity, and stories of a community.” She encouraged participants to preserve indigenous traditions while embracing new skills, techniques, and technology to strengthen the future of handloom weaving.
The programme celebrated the region's rich weaving heritage through a textile exhibition, a documentary screening on the three-day weaving and craft workshop, folk song performances, and experience-sharing sessions by two weavers. The event also recognized and honoured the Top 10 highest-earning weavers for their dedication and achievements, along with two women weavers who were acknowledged for their continued commitment to the craft.
A special tribute was paid to one of the community's senior weavers, now in her seventies, who is retiring from weaving due to health reasons after many years of dedicated service and craftsmanship. The winners of the Weaving and Design Competition were also felicitated for their creativity and excellence.
The celebration further included three awareness sessions conducted in collaboration with Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) and Shakti Sadan, Phek:
- Legal Aspects of Child Rights and Protection – Understanding the POCSO Act and the Prevention of Early Child Marriage.
- Awareness on Sakhi One Stop Centre Services and Women Helpline 181.
- Shakti Sadan Services – An Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation Centre for Women in Difficult Circumstances.
These sessions highlighted the importance of protecting children's rights, preventing gender-based violence, promoting access to support services, and strengthening community awareness of the rehabilitation and protection mechanisms available for women and children.
The day served as a meaningful celebration of heritage, livelihoods, women's empowerment, and community solidarity, reaffirming the importance of preserving traditional weaving practices while building a more sustainable future for generations to come.