Textile minister, Santosh Kumar Gangwar inaugurated an exhibition featuring the latest series of handloom products brought out by National Centre for Textile Design (NCTD), for promotion of those in domestic and international markets, at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, on December 22.

The series called ‘India Handloom: Tradition & Trend’, not only reflects the rich tradition and high skill of country’s handloom weavers, but also presents a trendy garment segment, besides made-ups, stoles, shawls and home furnishing made of handloom fabrics.

Speaking on the occasion, Gangwar said the centre 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 Prime Minister declaring 7th August as National Handloom Day.

It is the need of the hour to produce good quality defect-free handloom fabrics with good colour 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 the country.

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.