Porvorim, 7 August 2025: Goa celebrated the 11th National Handloom Day with a themed exhibition titled Kunbi: The Pride of Goan Textile, organised by the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM) under the Department of Rural Development.
The event was held at the Goa Legislative Assembly complex in Porvorim and inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The exhibition focused on highlighting the indigenous Kunbi saree, a traditional Goan handloom that reflects the cultural identity of the region’s tribal communities.
The exhibition served as a platform to promote local weaving traditions, encourage sustainable fashion, and support women-led self-help groups working in the handloom sector.
Other dignitaries who attended the exhibition included:
Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Ramesh Tawadkar
MLAs Daji Salkar and Ulhas Tuenkar
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who visited the exhibition and interacted with artisans
The displays included live weaving demonstrations, information panels on natural dyes, and products created by rural artisans. The Kunbi textile was highlighted as a symbol of Goa’s cultural heritage and as a viable path toward eco-friendly livelihoods in rural areas.
The celebration aligned with national efforts to revive handlooms as part of India’s self-reliant economy and reflected Goa’s growing focus on preserving its cultural assets through artisan support and heritage promotion.
Every year, National Handloom Day honors the intricate art of weaving that has defined India’s identity for centuries. But beyond heritage and craft, the handloom industry represents something even more profound — women’s empowerment and rural strength.
In India, over 70% of the handloom workforce comprises women, many from remote and rural communities. These women are not only preserving ancient weaving techniques but also driving economic change in their households and communities.
The handloom sector is the second-largest employment provider in rural India, only after agriculture. It blends creativity with culture, sustainability with self-reliance. Each sari, shawl, and fabric is a story — of tradition, toil, and transformation.
This National Handloom Day, let’s celebrate the hands that weave magic and the heritage that binds generations. Whether you wear it, showcase it, or support it — you are part of keeping this legacy alive.
📍 Let’s be vocal for local. 📍 Let’s choose handloom with pride.
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As we delve into the world of fashion, we often come across stories of passion, dedication, and perseverance. One such story is that of Shravya Pai, the founder of Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai, a fashion brand that embodies the principles of simplicity, creativity, and self-love.
Shravya’s love affair with fashion began at a tender age. Growing up, she would often experiment with her mother’s dupatta, draping it into various outfits and creating her own unique designs. This innate passion for fashion was evident in her early years, and it only grew stronger with time.
However, life had other plans for Shravya. Her parents, like many others, encouraged her to pursue a more traditional career path. Shravya went on to complete her BCA and PGDM in Human Resources & Finance, landing a job in the corporate world. Though she excelled in her role, her heart remained in fashion.
The year 2024 marked a significant turning point in Shravya’s life. She finally decided to take the leap and pursue her passion for fashion. With the support of her family, Shravya launched Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai, a fashion brand that would go on to embody her values and aesthetic.
The Brand’s Philosophy
Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai is more than just a fashion brand – it’s a reflection of Shravya’s personal philosophy. The brand’s name, Ātmansneh, is derived from two Sanskrit words: “ātmā” meaning soul or true self, and “sneh” meaning love. This name encapsulates the brand’s core values: self-love, simplicity, and creativity.
Shravya’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of her brand. From sourcing fabrics from Indian artisans to upcycling old outfits, Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. The brand’s focus on sustainable fashion practices is a testament to Shravya’s vision for a more responsible and eco-friendly fashion industry.
Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai is proud to be a Made in India brand. Shravya’s love for Indian culture and heritage is reflected in every outfit, with intricate designs and patterns that pay homage to the country’s rich textile tradition.
Shravya’s brand is not just about fashion; it’s also about empowering women. Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai provides employment opportunities to talented women artisans, giving them a platform to showcase their skills and creativity.
As Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai completes its first year, Shravya is looking forward to expanding her brand’s reach and offerings. With plans to complete her Fashion Designer Certification and continue to provide employment opportunities to women artisans, Shravya is poised to make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Shravya Pai’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From her early days of experimenting with fashion to launching her own brand, Shravya’s story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of pursuing their passion. As Ātmansneh by Shravya Pai continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain – Shravya’s love for fashion and her commitment to sustainability will remain at the forefront of her brand.
