Nagpur: In a market increasingly filled with machine-made fabrics promising lighter weight, lower prices and easier upkeep, Nagpur’s handloom sellers say the old-fashioned loom is still far from falling silent. From loyal elderly buyers seeking authentic weaves to younger customers asking for customised designs, the city’s handloom trade continues to adapt without losing its traditional thread.As National Handloom Day is observed on Aug 7, traders and artisans across the city say handloom has survived not because it is the cheapest option, but because buyers continue to value its craftsmanship, durability and uniqueness. TOI visited multiple spots on the eve of Handloom Day, including Civil Lines, Khamla Road and Hasanbagh, to talk to merchants and weavers.At Nipane Handloom House at Khamla Road, which has been dealing in handloom products for nearly five decades, the trader said demand remains consistent throughout the year. “Customers who know the value of handlooms keep coming back. Many of the finest handloom products are sourced from traditional weaving clusters outside Nagpur,” he said.In Civil Lines, King of Hosiery, a third-generation family business established in 1979, has witnessed changing consumer preferences first-hand. “Older generations understand what genuine handloom is and specifically look for handwoven products. Younger customers usually prefer fabrics that are lightweight and require less maintenance,” the shopkeeper said.Retailers in Civil Lines say one way the industry is staying relevant is through customisation. At Haryana Handloom House, Abhishek said customers increasingly want personalised designs that combine traditional weaving techniques with modern tastes.“If a customer brings a photograph or a specific design, we can have it woven accordingly. Traditional handloom is far more versatile than many people realise,” he said.Nagpur is also home to an important part of Maharashtra’s handloom ecosystem. Commissionerate of Textiles, established after the recommendations of Tidke Committee, is headquartered in the city and oversees the development of the sector across the state through its regional offices.Maharashtra State Handlooms Corporation Ltd (MahaHandloom), located in Hasanbagh, operates a weaving unit on Umred Road, where artisans produce Karvati Kath Tussar silk sarees and traditional cotton textiles. The products are sold directly from the adjoining showroom, allowing customers to buy straight from the source.
