State-level handloom exhibition begins in Erode – The Hindu

Minister for Tamil Development and Information and Publicity, M. P. Saminathan, inaugurated the State-level handloom exhibition at A.M. Mahal, Chettipalayam, on Avalpoondurai Road here on Tuesday (December 30, 2025).

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the handloom weaving industry is one of India’s oldest traditional occupations and is the second-largest source of employment after agriculture. He noted that the sector, known for its skilled craftsmanship and intricate designs, has grown steadily in the State and continues to be the primary livelihood for thousands of families. The State government, he said, is implementing welfare schemes and development programmes to strengthen the handloom sector.

The exhibition for the year 2025-26 is being organised under the National Handloom Development Corporation of the Union Ministry of Textiles through the Tamil Nadu Handlooms Department, in view of the New Year and Pongal festivals. The exhibition will be held for 14 days, till January 12, 2026.

Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Societies from 17 districts, Co-optex, Weaver Service Centre, Poompuhar Sales Outlet, Khadi and Village Industries Board, Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihoods Mission (Mahalir Thittam), and handloom organisations from other States are also taking part.

A total of 60 stalls have been set up, with 116 cooperative societies offering blankets, bedspreads, jamakkalams, mats, towels, khora sarees, silk sarees, dhotis, lungis and other handicrafts at a 30% discount. The sales target has been fixed at ₹2 crore.

Collector S. Kandasamy, Mayor S. Nagarathinam and officials were present.