Munish Sood
MANDI
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated National Handloom Day with a state-level programme in Mandi on Thursday, bringing together around 130 weavers, artisans and stakeholders from across Himachal Pradesh to promote the state’s rich handloom heritage and strengthen livelihood opportunities for rural craftsmen.
The event, organised by NABARD’s Himachal Pradesh Regional Office at Seri Manch, was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Dr. R.K. Pruthi, while Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan attended as the guest of honour. NABARD Himachal Pradesh Chief General Manager Dr. Vivek Pathania presided over the programme.
The celebrations began with the inauguration of an exhibition-cum-sale showcasing traditional handloom textiles, handicrafts and rural products. Fifteen stalls put up by weavers, producer organisations and self-help groups displayed a wide range of locally made products, while a dedicated Khadi stall highlighted India’s traditional weaving heritage.
During the exhibition, NABARD officials briefed the dignitaries about the bank’s initiatives to strengthen the handloom sector, support rural artisans and improve market access for traditional products.
A day-long workshop was later organised at Hotel Raj Mahal, where participants discussed ways to preserve traditional weaving practices while exploring product diversification, branding, value addition, market linkages and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The workshop attracted nearly 130 weavers from Mandi and other districts of the state.
As part of the celebrations, NABARD had also organised essay writing and painting competitions for school students at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mandi, on August 6. Around 50 students participated, and winners in both competitions were awarded cash prizes of ₹3,000, ₹2,000 and ₹1,000, along with certificates and mementoes.
The programme also honoured several veteran handloom artisans for their contribution to preserving the state’s traditional crafts. Nari Shakti Award recipient and noted weaver Anshul Malhotra shared her entrepreneurial journey, encouraging young artisans to pursue innovation while preserving traditional skills.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vivek Pathania highlighted NABARD’s continued support for the handloom sector through initiatives such as the Saroa Handloom Producer Company. He stressed the need to preserve traditional weaving techniques, encourage greater participation of young people and create sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities in rural areas through the promotion of handloom and handicrafts.
