Manipur’s most anticipated textile and handloom showcase of the year, the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2025, opened today at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, with Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurating the event. The expo brings together weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, exporters, and craft enthusiasts under one platform with a shared goal: to elevate Manipur’s textile heritage to the global stage.
Organised by the Department of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Government of Manipur, MANITEX has grown into a significant annual calendar event, providing a bridge between traditional artisans and modern domestic and international markets.
Celebrating a Living Heritage
In his address, the Governor highlighted the state’s rich handloom tradition, noting that Manipur is not only a major contributor to the Northeast’s textile sector, but also home to a distinctive weaving identity passed down through generations of skilled women artisans.
“Manipur’s handloom sector reflects our cultural identity and economic resilience. MANITEX stands as a platform to appreciate, preserve, and modernize this legacy,” the Governor said, encouraging artisans to embrace technology, design innovation, and branding to meet global demand.
What MANITEX 2025 Brings to the Table
Visitors can expect an immersive experience that blends traditional artistry with contemporary textile trends. The expo features:
| Key Highlights of MANITEX 2025 | Details |
|---|---|
| Handloom & Handicraft Stalls | Showcasing Manipuri textiles, indigenous fiber craft, tribal weaves |
| International Exhibitors | Participation from global buyers and designers |
| B2B Networking Meets | Linking artisans with export houses and e-commerce platforms |
| Fashion Shows | Designers presenting contemporary styles using Manipuri textiles |
| Live Demonstrations | Traditional loom weaving, dyeing, and fiber craft techniques |
| Skill Workshops | Sessions for young entrepreneurs on branding & product innovation |
This year’s edition places special focus on export opportunities, sustainable textiles, and digital retail integration — areas crucial for scaling Manipuri products into international markets.
Boost for Artisans and Local Economy
With over 60% of the state’s handloom workforce comprising women, MANITEX remains a major economic driver, especially for rural households that depend on weaving as a livelihood. The expo also offers a platform for Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), cooperative societies, start-ups, and self-help groups to market their handmade products.
Government officials expressed hope that MANITEX will help artisans secure long-term buyers, e-commerce access, and brand recognition, enabling Manipur’s textiles to compete globally in the premium craft segment.
A Platform for Future-Ready Textile Ecosystem
The inaugural day saw strong participation from students of design institutes, fashion professionals, and young entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in heritage textiles, sustainable fashion, and value-added handloom products.
Over the course of the expo, panel discussions will take place on themes such as “Heritage Textiles in Global Markets,” “Women-Led Craft Economy,” and “Sustainable Handloom and Future Fashion.”
MANITEX 2025 is set to run over the coming days, offering a rich blend of commerce, culture, and creativity — and reinforcing Manipur’s position as a vibrant textile hub.