The Department of Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Andhra Pradesh, has launched a special 2-week exhibition at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, New Delhi, from 7th October to 20th October 2024, in celebration of the festive Dussehra season. The primary theme of the exhibition is to support weavers and artisans by facilitating the disposal of their existing stock, which is crucial for generating continuous employment and sustaining livelihoods in the sector.
The inaugural ceremony, held on 7th October 2024, was graced by distinguished officials, including Smt. K. Sunitha, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Handlooms & Textiles, Andhra Pradesh; Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner, Handlooms, Government of India; and Smt. G. Rekha Rani, IAS, Commissioner of Handlooms & Textiles, Andhra Pradesh.
A total of 26 stalls have been set up at the exhibition, featuring 20 handloom and 6 handicraft stalls. Visitors can explore an array of handloom products, including Gadwal sarees, Dharmavaram silk sarees, Kalamkari products, Polavaram, Uppada Jamdhani, Angara, Kuppadam, Venkatagiri, Madanapalli, Bobbili sarees, and Pulagutha. Additionally, there are Muramunda cotton shirtings, Ponduru dhoties, and home furnishings such as Eluru carpets, Boddam bed sheets & towels, duppattas, wall hangings, Yemigganuru bedsheets, and towels. Handicraft stalls showcase distinctive products such as terracotta, wooden carvings, leather puppetry, Etikoppaka toys, Kalamkari block printing, and crochet lace.
In her media address, Smt. K. Sunitha, IAS, Principal Secretary, emphasized the rich heritage and diversity of Andhra Pradesh’s handloom sector. She reiterated the significance of this exhibition in aiding artisans and weavers to sell their products and promote sustainable employment. She also noted Andhra Pradesh’s success in the One District One Product (ODOP) Awards 2023, where the state won 4 out of 5 awards.
The exhibition aims to provide a much-needed platform for weavers and artisans to showcase and sell their creations, ensuring a flow of income that sustains their traditional crafts and supports ongoing employment during the festive season.
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