Assam Shines at National Handloom Awards 2025
Celebrating Assam's Handloom Achievements
Jyoti Bhuyan of Guwahati was honoured in the Women Weavers category for her Natural Dyed Eri Silk Saree (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, Aug 7: Assam made a remarkable impact at the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025, where President Droupadi Murmu presented four prestigious awards to recipients from the state during the 12th National Handloom Day festivities on Friday.
Among the notable winners was Runima Chetiya Choudhury from Kamrup (Metro), who earned the Sant Kabir Handloom Award in the Women Weavers category for her exquisite Muga Silk Saree.
Assam stood out as one of only three states to receive the nation's highest handloom accolade, joining Odisha and Uttar Pradesh in this honor.
Additionally, the state secured three National Handloom Awards.
Jyoti Bhuyan from Guwahati was recognized in the Women Weavers category for her Natural Dyed Eri Silk Saree, while Riti Doley from Majuli was awarded in the Divyang Weaver category for her Silk Gero.
In a significant advancement for handloom entrepreneurship, M/s Marvella Associates from Sualkuchi received the National Award for Start-up Ventures/Producer Company.
These accolades underscore Assam's rising stature in the handloom industry, bringing national attention to its traditional Muga and Eri silk weaving heritage, while also showcasing innovation within the state's textile sector.
From other northeastern states, Takhellambam Rani Devi of Manipur's Kakching district was honored with a National Handloom Award in the Women Weavers category for her Shaphee Lanphee in Silk Innaphi, recognizing her efforts in preserving Manipur's rich weaving traditions.
Sikkim's Shital Tamang also received a National Handloom Award in the Tribal Weaves category for her Lepcha Daree, highlighting the region's traditional weaving techniques.
During the award ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the significance of handloom in India's cultural history, noting its role in reflecting the country's diverse heritage while maintaining regional identities.
She stated, "By merging India's rich handloom traditions with modern design, effective branding, and global value chains, young entrepreneurs, designers, and startups can explore new avenues and elevate Indian handloom to new heights."
A total of 22 master artisans, designers, and organizations from across the nation were honored with the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards for their contributions to India's handloom legacy.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita, present at the event, remarked that the awards celebrate the exceptional skill, creativity, and commitment of master weavers and artisans who continue to enrich India's vibrant handloom tradition.
In a social media message, Margherita congratulated the winners, acknowledging their significant contributions to the sector and their vital role in sustaining the country's rich handloom heritage.