India launches Handloom Haat and IIHT SUTRA 2026 textile initiatives

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh has launched two major initiatives in New Delhi aimed at supporting India’s handloom sector. The first is the inauguration of Handloom Haat, a Handloom Experience Centre at Janpath. This multi-floor facility serves as a platform for traditional weaving heritage, contemporary design, and retail, featuring exhibitions of regional traditions such as Odisha weaves and rare textiles from the Visvakarma Gallery.

Simultaneously, Singh inaugurated IIHT SUTRA 2026, the first national conclave of the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs). The event focused on modernizing technical education within the sector through curriculum development, research, and technology adoption. During the conclave, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with Grasim Industries Limited, the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA), and IIM Sambalpur to enhance skill development, research, and leadership training for handloom professionals.