Sikkim marks 12th National Handloom Day with awareness programme on ‘My Product, My Pride’

The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (DHH), Government of Sikkim, held a day-long awareness programme in Gangtok to mark the 12th National Handloom Day. The programme carried the theme “My Product, My Pride” and took place at the DHH premises.

The event was sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Minister for Commerce and Industries TT Bhutia attended as the chief guest. DHH Chairman NB Gurung, OSD of DHH Vyasananda Guru, and officials from the Commerce and Industries Department also participated along with DHH staff and weavers from across the state.

Focus on support for trainee weavers and local artisans

Addressing the gathering, the Commerce and Industries Minister congratulated Sikkim’s weavers and highlighted their role in preserving the state’s handloom and handicraft traditions. He said the state has been working to strengthen the sector through different initiatives and training support. He also pointed to the stipend for trainee weavers in the two-year weaving course, saying it was increased after 2024 to encourage more young people to take up weaving.

He further stated that the Commerce and Industries Department supports the sector through schemes such as the RAMP scheme and programmes including Sikkim Inspires and centrally sponsored efforts. According to the minister, these initiatives are aimed at training and capacity building for weavers, as well as improving livelihood opportunities.

He also mentioned a state initiative encouraging government employees to wear traditional attire every Thursday, saying it helps boost cultural heritage and increases interest in locally woven clothing. The minister added that branch training centres across Sikkim will be upgraded with stronger infrastructure to help the industry reach wider markets. He announced that from next year, outstanding weavers will be honoured on National Handloom Day for their work.

New products launched and identity support provided

Other officials spoke on the importance of the handloom sector. The Secretary of the Commerce and Industries Department, Karma D. Youtso, said the sector is largely women-driven and offers both livelihood and empowerment, noting that it needs specialised skills at the start but can grow with regular capacity building and better market access. DHH Director Tshering Topgay Bhutia traced the Directorate’s origins to 1957 and said the Directorate has seen growth in trained weavers and handloom production in recent years. The programme included the launch of a new range of handloom products and distribution of weavers’ identity cards, yarn passbooks, and raw materials. More than 90 weavers participated, and cultural performances were also part of the event.