Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday highlighted the state’s rich handloom heritage and announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the textile sector and improving support for weavers at the concluding ceremony of the 12th State-Level National Handloom Day 2026.
The event was organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts at Resha Bhawan in Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the gathering, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samanta described Odisha’s handloom tradition as a symbol of the state’s identity, culture and living heritage. He said traditional weaves such as Sambalpuri Bandha, Bomkai, Khandua, Kotpad, Berhampuri Patta and Gopalpur Tussar reflect the history and traditions of Odisha.
The minister said the state government was pursuing a multi-pronged approach to the welfare and empowerment of weavers. Under the Mukhyamantri Bayan Silpa Bikas Yojana, a budget allocation of Rs 490.95 crore has been made for five years for the development of the textile sector.
Under the Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikas Yojana, the government is establishing raw material banks, developing infrastructure, recognising weavers and creating better market access for handloom products.
The government has also set a five-year investment target of Rs 274 crore under the Mukhyamantri Resham Bikas Yojana for development of the silk sector, the minister said.
During the ceremony, Odisha’s Padma Shri awardees, Sant Kabir Award recipients and National Award-winning weavers were felicitated for their contribution to the state’s handloom tradition. Padma Shri awardees Sarat Kumar Patra and Gobardhan Panika were among those honoured, along with Sant Kabir Award recipients and National Awardees from the state.
Officials from different districts were also recognised for their outstanding performance in the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
The department’s Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, spoke about the history and significance of National Handloom Day and outlined various initiatives being undertaken for the sector. An audio-visual presentation showcasing Odisha’s handloom and textile heritage was also screened during the programme.
Foundation stones were laid for several development projects across the state. These included a production and sales centre for Sambalpuri Bastralaya at Sohela in Bargarh district, a rearing house at the Eri Seed Station in Khordha, and a multipurpose facility centre at Odisso WCS in Jagatsinghpur.
The projects also include a Resham Odisha showroom at Nimapada in Puri, a Common Facility Centre for weavers and sales staff, and renovation of the Boyanika showroom in Dhenkanal.
A state-level grand finale was also held following district-level hackathons, with winning teams from different districts presenting their innovations. The Ganjam district team comprising U. Adarsh Kumar, A. Ganapati and A. Kusum secured first place in the state-level competition.
As part of the event, guests planted saplings in support of environmental protection and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
Among those present were Boyanika President Prakash Meher, SERIFED President Bhagirathi Nanda, Director of Textiles and Handlooms Surya Narayan Pattnaik and Odisha Crafts Council Chairman Santosh Kumar Mohapatra. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Pattnaik.
