In a significant boost to the handloom sector, Uttar Pradesh Minister Rakesh Sachan inaugurated the National Handloom Expo-2025, also known as the Gandhi Bunkar Mela, in Kanpur on Sunday. The event, held at Motijheel Lawn Number 3, aims to celebrate India's rich textile heritage while providing a crucial platform for artisans.
Minister Highlights Economic and Cultural Significance
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rakesh Sachan, who holds portfolios for MSME, Khadi, and Textiles, emphasized the dual role of the expo. He stated that the fair not only honours the state's ancient weaving traditions but also serves as a livelihood base for lakhs of handloom weavers and artisans. He highlighted how their artworks contribute to national economic prosperity and earn valuable foreign exchange through exports.
Expressing confidence in the event's impact, the minister said it would play a pivotal role in the development of the handloom sector and strengthen weaver cooperative societies in villages, aligning with the expectations of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He appealed to the citizens of Kanpur to visit in large numbers, noting that the opportunity to see and buy excellent products from across the country under one roof is a special attraction.
A Panorama of Handloom Excellence from Across India
The expo, sponsored by the Development Commissioner Handloom under the Ministry of Textiles and organized by the Commissioner and Director of Handloom and Textiles Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur, is a vibrant showcase of diversity. Approximately 80 stalls have been set up, displaying distinctive handloom products crafted by weavers and artisans from 10 states and one union territory.
The fair offers a wide array of textiles:
- From Uttar Pradesh: Fabrics and handmade products from Varanasi, Mau, Azamgarh, Sitapur, Barabanki, Kanpur, Moradabad, Jhansi, and Meerut.
- From other regions: Pashmina shawls, Phiran, and suits from Jammu & Kashmir; woollen products from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; silk sarees from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh; Kantha and Jamdani sarees from West Bengal; and Bandhani and Lahariya from Rajasthan.
Event Details and Distinguished Presence
The National Handloom Expo-2025 will remain open to the public until December 16, offering an extended period for enthusiasts and buyers to explore and purchase authentic handloom goods. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Suresh Gupta, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Khadi Gramodyog Mahasangh, and members from the regional BJP media contact department and other officials.
This expo stands as a testament to the government's commitment to preserving traditional crafts and empowering the artisan community, making it a must-visit event for anyone interested in the fabric of India's cultural and economic story.
