Handloom & Craft Pavilion Marketing Complex inaugurated at Heritage Village

December 9, 2024 7 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 9 (MExN): The Handloom & Craft Pavilion Marketing Complex at Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima was officially inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, on November 26. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support artisans and showcase Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage as well as India’s traditional craftsmanship on a larger stage.

Funded by the Development Commissioner (Handloom) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, through the Need Based Special Infrastructure Project and the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), the Marketing Complex is a dynamic hub for promoting and marketing traditional handlooms and crafts. Designed to foster both economic opportunities and cultural preservation, the complex features 132 stalls spread across two floors — 57 on the ground floor and 75 on the first floor.

Beyond the retail spaces, the Handloom & Craft Pavilion also includes a Handloom Museum, administrative offices, a VIP lounge, a conference hall, and a cafeteria. Public amenities such as lavatories for persons with disabilities (PWDs) ensure that the space remains accessible for all visitors.

The complex provides a platform for artisans, designers, and buyers to connect, allowing the artistry of traditional handloom weaving, woodcraft, leatherwork, and other local crafts to shine. Visitors can explore an eclectic range of items, including traditional shawls, handcrafted furniture, jute crafts, beauty products, local beverages, and horticultural goods. Additionally, stalls by India Post, local tea producers, and souvenir sellers add to the diversity and charm of the pavilion.

More than just a retail hub, the Marketing Complex serves as an incubator for Nagaland’s local artisans, offering opportunities to tap into domestic and international markets while preserving the age-old techniques of traditional craftsmanship. This initiative is seen as vital to creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans and celebrating the state’s unique cultural identity.

Since its opening at the start of the Hornbill Festival, the Handloom & Craft Pavilion has become a key destination for both locals and tourists, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchange. Through this initiative, the pavilion not only showcases the artistry of Nagaland’s skilled craftsmen but also aims to ensure the traditions and legacies of handloom weaving and local craftsmanship are celebrated and sustained for future generations.