Gangtok, November 3 (IPR):
The State Handloom Expo 2025–26, which commenced on 1 November and will continue till 14 November 2025, is being organised by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (SHHDC) under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP). The Expo was inaugurated today by the Chief Guest, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, at the premises of the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Zero Point, Gangtok.
This year’s Expo brought together participants from various states across the country, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir, along with local weavers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and artisans from different parts of Sikkim exhibiting their handloom products.
For the first time in the state, a live demonstration of Thangka painting and cane and bamboo craft was presented by Thangka artist, Mr Mingur Dorjee Bhutia, and cane and bamboo craftsman, Mr Bayung Lepcha, respectively.
The State Handloom Expo serves as an annual celebration of India’s rich weaving traditions, showcasing the diversity, creativity, and craftsmanship of the nation’s weavers and artisans.
During the programme, the Chief Guest visited various stalls, interacted with the participants, and expressed keen interest in their products.
The inaugural ceremony also saw the presence of Director, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Mr Tshering Topgay Bhutia; Additional General Manager, SHHDC Limited, Mr Tshering Dorjee Gyamtso; Deputy Director, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Mr Jigme Pintso Bhutia; and officials and staff of DHH and SHHDC.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK