CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma once said, "Weaving is a form of storytelling." In Meghalaya, these woven threads are more than just fabric; they narrate a tale of resilience, heritage, and women's empowerment. Manju Rabha from Goalpara, Assam, arrived in Meghalaya in 1993 to care for her brother's children. What began as a temporary stay turned into a lifelong journey in the handloom sector. Thirty-two years later, Shillong has become her home, and weaving, her livelihood. Aruna Pradhan, now 70, has been part of the state's handloom industry since 1977, dedicating decades to preserving this craft. Today, the sector supports 12 weavers and helpers across two centers, with 18 artisans engaged in handloom work and two operating power looms.
Meghalaya's handloom tradition is now intertwined with textile tourism, attracting niche travelers seeking authenticity and contributing to sustainable economic development. The Department of Textiles has been at the forefront of this movement, working to preserve and elevate the region's indigenous weaving practices.
In an effort to showcase Meghalaya's signature Ryndia fabric, the Department of Textiles launched the Eri Corner on December 21, 2020. Woven from Eri Silk, these fabrics are traditionally processed in the homes of local artisans, offering untapped potential for luxury markets. Designers collaborating with weavers have elevated Ryndia's appeal, transforming it into a high-end textile while ensuring greater visibility for the women behind its craftsmanship.
Deepika Lyngdoh, Zonal Officer for Weaving in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Shillong, reflected on the evolution of the sector. "This office initially served as a training institute for weaving classes, starting in 1957. Over time, it expanded into a handloom production center, and later, an extension service unit was established to reach weavers in remote areas. Today, our Meg Tex outlet serves as a centralized marketplace for handloom fabrics, ensuring easy access for customers without the need to travel to interior villages."
With growing interest from tourists and international buyers, the demand for Ryndia has surged, yet production remains a challenge. "Whenever foreign delegates visit our stalls at IITF (India International Trade Fair), they highly appreciate Ryndia. However, our biggest challenge is meeting large-scale demand, as silk production is dependent on climatic conditions. Despite its growing popularity, our supply remains limited due to these constraints," Lyngdoh explained.
While Ryndia has earned admiration both locally and globally, its growth is hampered by the natural silk-rearing cycle, making large-scale production difficult. Yet, Meghalaya's handloom sector stands as a testament to cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and the enduring spirit of its women artisans. With continued government support and strategic expansion, the state's weaving heritage is poised to reach new heights, blending tradition with innovation on a global stage.
Also Read: Meghalaya: CID Seeks More Time To Investigate Multi-Crore Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Road Scam
Also Watch: