The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organized the National Handloom Designers' Conclave 2026 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, fashion designers, textile experts, academicians, cluster designers, master weavers, exporters, retailers, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening India's handloom sector through design-led innovation and market-oriented product development.
Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, delivered the inaugural address, noting that the handloom sector provides livelihood to over 35 lakh persons. She highlighted the Ministry's supporting ecosystem of 29 Weavers Service Centres and 357 Handloom Cluster Development Programmes that strengthen production, capacity, and market linkages. This year, 80 design-potential clusters were taken through a structured design process, with around 80 designers engaged directly to help translate design into premium pricing and higher weaver incomes.
Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), emphasized design as a catalyst for enhancing the value, competitiveness, and sustainability of Indian handloom products. The conclave featured the National Handloom Design Contest 2026 Prize Ceremony, honoring outstanding cluster designers in Apparel, Home Furnishing, Craft Revival, and Jury's Special Recognition categories.
An exhibition showcased shortlisted products from nine handloom clusters across eight States: Miranchak Cluster (Purba Bardhaman), Vanitha Cluster, Dev Bhoomi Bharari Cluster, Dwarka Cluster, Khurkul Cluster, Ridrol Cluster, Imphal East, and Kondapalakala Cluster. The conclave included three thematic panel discussions on Design Innovation and Market Competitiveness, Sustainable Cluster Development and the Future of Indian Handlooms, and Design Thinking for Value Creation in Indian Handloom, covering emerging consumer trends, sustainability, branding, exports, and technology integration.