Imphal, November 6: After two years of gap due to the Manipur crisis, the Directorate of Handlooms and Textile, Government of Manipur, has announced to organise 5 days Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX), 2025 with the participation of different 16 countries.
Additional chief secretary, Manipur, Anurag Bajpai told the media in Imphal on Thursday that the return of MANITEX will mark another step towards normalcy and restoration of peace.
The expo will be organised by the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, under the department of Textile, Commerce and Industry, government of Manipur. It will be held from November 8 to 12 at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal, officials said.
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Earlier the annual event was organised from 2018 to 2022 other than during the pandemic, but was suspended in 2023 and 2024 due to the ongoing crisis. However, witnessing the improving law and order situations in the state and revival of other festivals including Shirui Lily festival and Manipur Sangai Festival, MANITEX, 2025 will mark another step in restoration of peace and economic revitalisation, said Bajpai.
MANITEX, 2025 will be celebrated under the theme “Weaving a Sustainable Future: Manipur’s Handloom Heritage to Global Fashion.” The five-day event aims to spotlight Manipur’s traditional textiles, eco-friendly weaving practices, and natural dyes blending cultural artistry with modern sustainability goals.
Bajpai added that to strengthen the economic ecosystem, the expo will be enhancing Manipuri handloom products, establishing a roadmap for inclusive growth within the textile and fashion sector.
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Additionally, the government has received confirmation from 16 different countries to participate in MANITEX, 2025. Bajpai confirmed that 16 major buyers, exporters and designers will be represented across Japan, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
International buying houses such as ACE Sourcing (Europe, Asia, Middle East), IDEA NUOVA (USA, Canada, Mexico), ARTISAV EXPO TRADE (Asia and Africa), and Luxe Living (Japan, USA) have confirmed their presence, Bajpai asserted.
A statement issued by the Directorate of Textile said India’s leading fashion designers, including Krishna Mehta Studio and Prama by Pratima Pandey will showcase their creations, while expert sessions featuring IDEA NUOVA, Luxe Living, HEPC, CoFT, CAU, and Manipur University will explore opportunities in market access, brand development, and sustainable production.
Participation from machine manufacturers, yarn suppliers, and the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) further ensures a comprehensive representation of the entire textile value chain.
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“MANITEX 2025 is more than just an expo; it is a declaration of Manipur’s enduring spirit and cultural resilience,” the Directorate stated. “Our focus is to leverage our sustainable handloom and handicraft heritage to foster inclusive economic growth, strengthen our global identity, and secure a prosperous future for every weaver and artisan in the state. We welcome the world back to Imphal to witness the unmatched artistry of Manipur.”
(Newmai News Network)