Shillong, Aug 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today marked National Handloom Day and the close of the 12th National Handloom Week at the Integrated Textile Tourism Complex in Ri Sai, Nongpoh.
Calling handloom designs like Dakmanda, Dharashat, Mukhli and Thoseru “representations of our identity,” the Chief Minister said supporting weavers is about more than livelihood. “It is an investment in culture and identity. This is a celebration of Meghalaya and a message to the country and the world that we are proud of our heritage,” he said.
He noted the government’s focus on culture over the last 6-7 years, including granting official language status to Khasi and Garo after 54 years. He also lauded St. Anthony’s College for training weavers to use Instagram to access wider markets.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Centre of Excellence at Ri Sai to preserve Eri weaving skills. The complex includes an Ahimsa Silk training and design centre, restaurant, cottages and retail plaza, bringing together craft, cuisine and tourism.
Awards were given to textile entrepreneurs, weavers and farmers for promoting Eri silk.
The textile sector supports over 50,000 households in Meghalaya, with 70% women. In Ri Bhoi, nearly 90% of 4,000 registered weavers and 3,200 sericulture farmers are women.
Key milestones highlighted: Umden-Diwon declared the state’s first Eri Silk Village in 2021, GI tag for Ryndia and Khasi handlooms in 2024-25, and 2,448 weavers supported with looms and yarn in 2025-26.
Ministers Metbah Lyndoh, MLA Mayralborn Syiem and Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammad also attended.
