An exhibition showcasing an exquisite collection of Indian handloom products was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Union Minister of State for Textiles (I/C), Santosh Kumar Gangwar at National Crafts Museum in New Delhi. S.K. Panda, Secretary (Textiles) and Alok Kumar, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) were also present on the occasion. The exhibition will run from December 22 to 31, 2015.

The minister speaking at the inauguration said that, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India is committed to achieve overall growth of handloom sector through implementation of various developmental and welfare schemes for the handloom weavers of the country with the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India declaring 7th August as National Handloom Day. India Handloom Brand scheme has also been launched by him on the same day this year in Chennai.

It is the need of the hour to produce good quality defect-free handloom fabrics with good color fastness that do not contain harmful dyes. The product range also needs to be widened to cater to the needs of the youth, the largest population segment of India.

The exhibition features the latest series of handloom products brought out by National Centre for Textile Design (NCTD), through its offline activity for promotion of these products in domestic and international markets.

The series called India Handloom: Tradition & Trend, not only reflects the rich tradition and high skill of India’s handloom weavers, but also presents a trendy garment segment.

The collection showcased at the exhibition comprises 160 different handloom products in two colourways. Some important products include items like Banarasi Saree, Brocade Saree, Jamdani saree, Baluchari Saree, Kancheepuram Saree, Upada Jamdani Saree, Venkatgiri, Pochampalli, Patola, Kota Doria, Paithani, Muga, Tussar, Linen, Manipuri textiles, Kani Stoles, Kullu Stoles, trendy garments for men and women, besides made-ups, stoles, shawls and home furnishing made of handloom fabrics. The products have been made keeping in mind the demands of both domestic and export markets.

Twenty Weavers' Service Centres across the country have been involved in preparing the designs and transforming them into products with the involvement of skilled weavers, national awardees, Padmashri Awardees and primary co-operative societies. Reputed designers serving as members of the Implementation Committee of NCTD have contributed their expertise in selecting designs for the collection as per market trends. Apart from the thematic collection of products, an attempt has been made to reproduce some samples of the prestigious collection called "Vishwakarma" which was made during late seventies and was appreciated in India and abroad.

A catalogue of the products, giving detailed information of technical and commercial parameters, designers and weavers, is being brought out to facilitate commercial reproduction of these items by various manufacturers, exporters, designers, primary societies and other agencies.

The "India Handloom" products featured at the exhibition include Kullu Shawls, Woolen Stoles, Woolen Tweed, Banaras Silk Brocade, Banaras Butidar Silk Saree, Tanchoi Silk Saree, Chanderi Saree and Pochampalli Ikat Dress Material of different states,. These branded products assure customers of quality, eco-friendliness and fast colours.

For sale of products carrying the "India Handloom" brand, registered agencies of the brand are participating in the exhibition, with products belonging to a wide range of designs and colours.