NICHE Handloom Expo 2024-25 showcases India’s rich heritage

The Weavers’ Service Centre in Vijayawada, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is hosting the “NICHE Handloom Marketing Expo-2024-25” from January 8 to January 14, 2025, at the A Plus Convention Centre, Moghalrajpuram, Vijayawada. This seven-day exhibition aims to promote handloom products, including fabrics from local weavers, handloom agencies, handicrafts, and Khadi items from artisans across India.
Andhra Pradesh, renowned for its vibrant handloom industry, has more than 1.77 lakh handloom weavers. The event is being organised under the Handloom Marketing Assistance of the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) to support the state’s weavers and their traditional craft.
The expo will feature a wide range of handloom products, including some of Andhra Pradesh’s most famous sarees such as Uppada Jamdani Silk Sarees, Mangalagiri Cotton & Silk Sarees, Chirala Kuppadam Silk Sarees, Pedana Kalamkari Cotton Sarees, and Srikalahasthi Pen Kalamkari Sarees. Visitors can also expect sarees from other states, including Paithani Silk Sarees from Maharashtra, Gadwal Sarees from Telangana, Banaras Brocade Sarees from Uttar Pradesh, and many more.
In addition to the exhibition, the event will include a series of cultural performances and showcases. On January 10, 2025, a fashion show will highlight the beauty of traditional handloom sarees draped in various styles from different states. The show will feature creations by students from the National Institute of Design, Guntur, celebrating the fusion of creativity with traditional handloom. Another cultural dance performance will take place on January 11, 2025.
The expo brings together 29 participants from Andhra Pradesh and 20 from other states, totaling 49 handloom weavers, handloom societies, and agencies. Renowned organisations like APCO, Lepakhsi, and Tamil Nadu Co-optex are also participating in this event.
“We invite the residents of Vijayawada and visitors from across the region to experience the diversity and richness of India’s handloom heritage,” said Anil Sahu, Deputy Director and Head of Office at Weavers’ Service Centre, Vijayawada. “This is an excellent opportunity to support the hardworking weavers and artisans who continue to preserve our traditional textiles, while also offering a chance to own colourful, high-quality handloom fabrics and sarees from all over India,” he added.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until January 14, 2025. It promises to be a vibrant celebration of India’s rich handloom traditions and a platform for both local and national artisans to showcase their craftsmanship.
+_________________