Handloom Expo 2025-26 ‘Tana Bana’ inaugurated in Leh
Leh, Aug 21: “Traditional weaving is not merely a craft, it is the very identity of Ladakh and a source of livelihood for our people,” declared Ghulam Mehdi Ashoor, Hon’ble Executive Councilor, LAHDC Leh, while inaugurating the District Handloom Expo (Tana Bana) 2025-26 here today.
Organized by the Weavers Service Centre under the Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the expo has brought together artisans from across states to display India’s handloom heritage, with the world-renowned Pashmina of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh at the forefront. Ashoor noted that the initiative fits into the LAHDC’s broader agenda of strengthening local economies, fostering self-reliance, and preserving Ladakh’s cultural legacy against the pressures of modernization.
The inaugural function was attended by P.T. Raudra Goud, Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce Leh; S.K. Sahu, Assistant Director, Development Commissioner Handicrafts Leh; and Tahir Ahmad Hakim, Assistant Director, Weavers’ Service Centre Srinagar. The officials highlighted government measures including financial support schemes, training, and market expansion programs designed to empower artisans and secure Ladakh’s place in the global handloom map.
The ceremony also featured the felicitation of dignitaries and a vibrant cultural programme showcasing Ladakh’s traditional art and music. In his Vote of Thanks, Assistant Director S.K. Sahu expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, officials, participants, and media representatives, noting that such platforms not only celebrate artistry but also drive economic opportunity.
The expo will continue over the coming days, offering a platform for artisans to showcase their products, exchange knowledge, and establish market linkages. Officials observed that beyond the cultural display, the initiative resonates with LAHDC’s regional development vision of making handloom a driver of sustainable livelihoods while keeping Ladakh’s identity alive in the national and international sphere.
