The vibrant colours and rich traditions of Indian handlooms came alive with the inauguration of the 24th National Level Handloom Expo at the Unit-III IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar. The expo brings together skilled weavers from across the country, celebrating India’s timeless textile heritage.

Organised by Odisha State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. (Boyanika), the event provides a national platform for artisans to showcase their handcrafted products, exchange ideas, and reach a wider market. Odisha’s famous Ikat (Bandha) weaving is a major highlight, reflecting the state’s strong contribution to India’s handloom legacy.

This year’s edition features around 840 stalls, displaying a wide range of indigenous handicrafts, handloom fabrics, and local products from Odisha and other states. Skilled artisans showcase their handmade creations, giving visitors a chance to see traditional craftsmanship up close and buy authentic products directly from the makers.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several respected personalities, including Padma Shri awardees, senior government officials, and department heads from the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts sectors. Their presence highlights the importance of the mela in preserving India’s cultural heritage and promoting local industries.

Inauguration Details

• Inaugurated at 6:30 PM
• Chief Guest: Pradeep Bal Samanta, Minister of Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Odisha
• Other dignitaries present:
  
  • Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary
  • Prakash Chandra Meher, President, Boyanika
  • Dr. Nivedita Prusty, IAS, Managing Director, Boyanika
  • Senior government officials and guests

Organisers & Sponsorship

• Organiser: Boyanika (Odisha State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society Ltd.)
• Sponsor: Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha

Stalls & Participation

• Total 80 stalls, provided free of cost to weavers
• Participation from Odisha-based organisations:
  • Boyanika
  • Utkalika
  • Sambalpuri Bastralaya
  • Resham Odisha
  • 50 Primary Weavers’ Cooperative Societies (PWCS)
• National participation from states including:
  • Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan
  • Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka
  • Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, Bihar
  • Uttarakhand, Punjab, Gujarat
• Special participation by TATA Antaran, Gopalpur

Special Attractions

• Theme Pavilion inspired by Dhauli – The Peace Pagoda
• Designed by Weavers Service Centre, Bhubaneswar
• Wide range of products on display:
  
  • Handloom sarees
  • Fabrics and dress materials
  • Traditional and contemporary designs
  • Modern colour combinations and weaving techniques

Date, Time & Venue

• Dates: Ongoing till 22 February 2026
• Timings: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Venue: Unit-III IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar

Objective & Expected Impact

• Enhance marketing opportunities for handloom weavers
• Encourage skill sharing and trend awareness
• Promote cost-effective handloom production
• Expected business turnover of around ₹10 crore

Final Note

In his inaugural address, Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta stressed the need to preserve India’s handloom traditions while empowering weavers through national-level platforms. The National Handloom Expo 2026 in Bhubaneswar is not just an exhibition—it is a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and sustainable livelihoods.