Odisha’s Handloom Heritage Takes Centre Stage at National Handloom Day Fashion Show in Bhubaneswar

Odisha’s rich handloom heritage and traditional textile craftsmanship took centre stage in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day, with a spectacular fashion show showcasing the state’s weaving traditions through contemporary designs.

The state-level event was organised by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Government of Odisha, on August 7 to promote Odisha’s handloom clusters, support weavers and connect traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion.

The fashion show featured four sequences presented by NIFT Bhubaneswar and LIVA of the Aditya Birla Group.

The first two sequences by NIFT Bhubaneswar showcased garments made from GI-tagged handloom textiles. The first featured 10 contemporary garments created from the historic Dhalapathar curtains and fabrics, while the second presented 10 modern outfits highlighting the beauty of Tussar fabric.

The next two sequences, presented by LIVA, highlighted Odisha’s renowned weaving traditions. The third sequence showcased 12 sarees from the Nuapatna handloom cluster, while the fourth featured 12 contemporary outfits, including six men’s and six women’s garments, inspired by the intricate Bargarh Double Ikat tradition.

The event focused on sustainability, value-chain development and global market access. It highlighted efforts to create sustainable fashion models that preserve traditional weaving techniques while reducing environmental impact.

Earlier in the day, the Department of Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts signed an MoU with LIVA of the Aditya Birla Group to promote regenerative fibre clusters, particularly Lyocell, as part of efforts to build a more sustainable textile ecosystem.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Punam Tapas Kumar, Director of Textiles and Handlooms Surya Narayan Pattanaik, Additional Secretary Madhusmita Behera, Joint Secretary Mamata Nayak, Special Officer Indira Behera and other officials attended the event.

Representatives from NIFT Bhubaneswar and Aditya Birla Group’s LIVA were also present.

The event reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to empowering its weaving community, strengthening regional artisan clusters and taking the state’s handloom traditions to national and global fashion markets.