The 11th edition of the Naga Loinloom Festival, a two-day event themed “Livelihood Through Traditions – Preserving Naga Heritage: The Art of Loinloom Weaving” concluded on December 9, 2025 at Weavers Place, Diezephe village, Chumoukedima. Organised by the Exotic Echo Society in partnership with Nagaland Tourism as part of the Hornbill festival, the event celebrated the enduring cultural art of loinloom weaving, a craft deeply embedded in the identity and livelihood of Naga communities.
Speaking at the event as the special guest, Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu emphasised the need to protect and promote Naga identity, culture and traditions through continued support to indigenous weaving practices. She thanked the organisers and the weaver community for their commitment to preserving the rich legacy of loinloom weaving by organizing such events.
She informed that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has constituted a high-level task force to boost the handloom and handicraft sectors across the region and said that this initiative aims to create a more structured support system to promote traditional crafts in Nagaland.
She stated that the Department of Industries was committed to supporting weavers with better marketing and exposure, and encouraged artisans to expand their products beyond Nagaland.
Jakhalu stressed the growing demand for natural fibres and natural dyeing techniques and urged weavers to capitalise on the state’s strengths by promoting unique products such as organic cotton and eri silk. By doing so, she said, Naga handloom could carve out a distinctive niche in the national and international market. She assured the gathering that the Department of Industries would continue supporting the Naga Loinloom Festival and other initiatives that uplift weavers and safeguard the state’s textile heritage.
Short speeches were also delivered by President of Naga Women Hoho, Imlinungla, Coordinator of NHDC Dimapur, Ekonthung Tsunglao and Senior Tourist Officer, Dimapur, Keholeno Kennao.
The two-day festival featured folk dances, folk songs, a craft workshop, live weaving demonstrations, a weaving and warping competition, organic cotton weaving, and an exhibition-cum-sale of traditional handwoven products. The event brought together artisans, performers, researchers, and weaving enthusiasts from across the state. The program was chaired by Lucy Semy Seb, Secretary, Exotic Echo Society.
(Samuel, IA Chumoukedima)
