Odisha Governor Urges Support for Weavers: Wear Handloom Weekly!

Promoting Handloom Culture in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Friday, Odisha's Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati, encouraged citizens to incorporate handloom products into their wardrobes, suggesting they wear these items at least once a week to aid the numerous weaving families in the region.

During the opening ceremony of the 12th State-Level National Handloom Day in Bhubaneswar, Kambhampati called upon government officials, public representatives, educators, professionals, and the youth to actively promote Odisha's handloom products in their everyday lives.

He emphasized that such a personal commitment could ignite a significant movement to support the weaving community throughout the state.

The governor underscored the cultural and economic significance of handloom, stating that each handwoven piece reflects the artisans' skill, dedication, family heritage, and creativity.

Kambhampati remarked that purchasing handloom items goes beyond acquiring fabric; it supports families, sustains rural jobs, empowers women, preserves traditional skills, and bolsters the local economy.

He noted that Odisha's weaving heritage, deeply rooted in the ancient maritime culture of Kalinga, remains a vital aspect of the state's cultural identity.

The governor highlighted the state's famous handloom products, such as Sambalpuri Bandha, Odisha Ikat, Bomkai, Khandua, Kotpad, Habaspuri, Berhampur Patta, and Gopalpur Tussar, which have gained international acclaim for their unique designs and craftsmanship.

Additionally, during the event, the state entered into agreements with Grasim India Ltd, Zuby's Designer Studio for sustainable fashion, and Amazon Karigar to extend e-commerce opportunities to 130,000 weavers across Odisha.

As part of the partnership with Amazon, qualified weavers and artisans, as referred by the textiles directorate, will be integrated into Amazon Karigar, a program aimed at empowering artisans and weavers by facilitating online sales.