National Handloom Day was observed at NEN Resource Centre in Chizami Village, Phek District on August 7.
Chizami, August 7 (MExN): Nenterprise-Chizami Weaves with North East Network (NEN) in collaboration with Li Cheh Kro Weavers’ Producers’ Company Ltd, celebrated National Handloom Day (NHD) on August 7, at the NEN Resource Centre in Chizami Village, Phek District under the theme “Weaving Dreams, Shaping Future.”
The celebration brought together over 140 participants, including weavers, community leaders from 18 villages, entrepreneurs, educators, videographers, and representatives from NGOs and government departments, NEN stated in a press release.
As part of the celebration, 31 artisans were awarded the Weavers Award for their dedication and contributions to Chizami Weaves.
Out of 524 active weavers in the last financial year, these 31 were selected for excellence in three categories: the top 10 highest earners, 14 most active weavers, and 7 artisans preserving traditional hand spinning.
Collectively, the weavers earned over Rs 33.59 lakh in wages during Financial Year 2024–25, highlighting the initiative’s growing economic impact.
Chizami Weaves launches official website
The official website of Chizami Weaves was launched by Seno Tsuhah, Chairperson, Nenterprise. During the launch, she shared the inspiring journey of Chizami Weaves, which began in 2008 as a livelihood initiative of the North East Network with just seven weavers.
The launch of the website marks a significant milestone in enhancing the visibility and reach of the initiative, while continuing to empower women through sustainable livelihoods rooted in traditional textile practices.
Earlier, Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, poet, educator, and cultural conservationist, delivered a powerful message. Drawing from her personal journey, she spoke on reclaiming and celebrating indigenous handloom. Dr Keditsu shared how she began wearing traditional mekhalas to work and used social media to normalize traditional attire, which eventually led to her connection with and promotion of Chizami Weaves.
She emphasized the need to uphold craftsmanship, quality, and originality while encouraging weavers to aim for the niche product. “Weaving is not easy; it demands critical thinking, dedication, and time,” she stated, urging weavers not to undervalue their labour.
She highlighted the importance of passing weaving skills to younger generations, reinforcing that weaving is not just for elders, but for the youth to carry forward. She also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing traditional attire, natural fibres and dyes, and handwoven textiles.
Temsusenla from Fusion Shop, Dimapur, shared her entrepreneurial journey that began in 2014. She highlighted the importance of innovation in design and praised the long-standing relationship she shares with Chizami Weaves, built on trust and fair compensation.
She noted with pride that “every home in Nagaland now owns at least one Chizami Weaves product,” recognizing the impact and reach of the initiative.
A session on Financial Literacy was conducted by Sharon Losou from India Post, Nagaland, focusing on the importance of saving and long-term planning. Weavers were introduced to schemes such as insurance plans, Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for the girl child.
The session aimed to equip participants with practical tools for financial stability.
The event also featured a table runner design competition with participants from 10 villages, a cultural performance by the Gidemi Weavers, and a traditional dance by The Ant team from Assam. Weavers Yeshehulu Yhobu, Khrolou Ngatsi, and Khropeu Tsuhah shared their personal weaving journeys, inspiring younger generations.
The event also marked on improving women’s access to government schemes and essential health services. As a result, several participants availed services such as PAN card and health card applications, life insurance enrollment facilitated by India Post, Kohima, and health screenings—including blood pressure, diabetes, and urine tests provided by the Community Health Centre, Chizami, in collaboration with the organizing team.
Ahead of the main event, a three-day weaving and bamboo craft workshop was held from August 4–6 across six villages — Lower Khomi, Middle Khomi, Upper Khomi, Sakraba, Gidemi, and Pholami — engaging 103 children, both boys and girls. The workshop aimed to introduce youth to the basics of weaving and foster appreciation for indigenous crafts.
