Special Principal Secretary (handlooms & Textiles) RP Sisodia and District Collector G. Lakshmisha inspect the handloom condition of sarees at a stall set up at the Gandhi Bunakar Mela in Vijayawada on Wednesday. | Photo credit: HANDOUT
Gandhi Bunakar Mela, a national level exhibition aimed at promoting handloom weavers and promoting traditional textiles, was inaugurated in Vijayawada on Wednesday. The 14-day event will continue till March 31 and will offer a platform for artisans from across the country to showcase their craft.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Special Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce (Handlooms and Textiles) RP Sisodia along with District Collector G. Lakshmisha and other officials of Sri Sheshasai Kalyana Vedika.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sisodia said that the main objective of the mela is to provide better marketing opportunities to handloom weavers and bring nationally recognized handloom products under one roof. He said more than 100 handloom companies and organizations from states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana participated in the event with more than 110 stalls set up.
He said last year’s mela saw sales worth ₹ 3 crore and expressed hope that this year’s numbers would surpass that mark. He invited textile enthusiasts from NTR and Krishna districts as well as neighboring regions to visit the exhibition and support the handloom community.
District Collector Dr. Lakshmisha described the mela as a unique platform showcasing innovative design and high quality handloom products. He urged the public to make the most of the exhibition, especially in view of the upcoming Ugadu festival and summer season.
The Collector also highlighted the state government’s commitment to promote handlooms and handicrafts through targeted initiatives. He highlighted the efforts under the ‘One District – One Product’ programme, especially the promotion of Kondapalli toys with modern design interventions and skill development programs for artisans.
Several senior officials from Handlooms and Textiles Department, APCO and Vijayawada Weavers’ Service Center were present at the event.
Published – 18 March 2026 22:19 IST
