A two-day exhibition-cum-buyers and sellers meet titled “Looms & Links 2026” was inaugurated on Friday at Nongpoh under the Integrated Textile Tourism Complex initiative, bringing together weavers, artisans, designers and buyers to promote Meghalaya’s handloom traditions and expand market opportunities.
Organised by the District Handloom Office of Ri Bhoi district under the Government of Meghalaya, the programme, being held from March 6 to 7, aims to create stronger market linkages for local textile producers while showcasing the rich weaving heritage of the region.
The inaugural session was attended by Principal Secretary of the Department of Textiles, F R Kharkongor, as the chief guest, while Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal participated as the guest of honour.
Among those present were Monica Lywait, Fabian W Marbaniang and Daniel Syiem, proprietor of DSEFH.
The event features two key components — “Looms: The Exhibition” and “Links: The Trade Meet” — designed to highlight the living textile traditions of Ri Bhoi while facilitating direct engagement between producers and buyers.
The initiative also seeks to encourage trade partnerships and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for members of the weaving community.
In his address, Kharkongor spoke about the recent Geographical Indication recognition of Ryndia and stressed the importance of building on its cultural legacy while exploring new market prospects.
He described the journey of the textile as one that should progress “from heritage to horizon”.
The official also urged stakeholders to strengthen connections between Meghalaya’s textile traditions and commercial markets.
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Encouraging weavers and producers to shift their focus beyond producing limited samples, he emphasised the need to become “consignment-ready” in order to meet larger market demands and position Ryndia as both a premium and widely available textile.
Following the inaugural session, the buyer-seller exhibition was formally opened by the dignitaries.
The exhibition witnessed participation from weavers not only from Ri Bhoi but also from several other districts of Meghalaya, reflecting growing efforts to connect local weaving communities with emerging market opportunities.
The programme will continue over two days with exhibitions, networking sessions and interactions aimed at strengthening Meghalaya’s handloom ecosystem while promoting sustainable livelihoods for its traditional weaving communities.
