National Handloom Day: Odisha govt pushes for women empowerment through Kotpad’s Mirigan textile

The Odisha government continues to promote traditional weavers through various schemes, from providing looms to offering weaving equipment at subsidized rates. However, in a new thrust towards women empowerment and preserving traditional crafts, the local administration has taken a focused step to promote Kotpad’s Mirigan textile in Koraput district.

In the tribal-dominated Kotpad block, several women and young girls are being trained and encouraged to produce clothing items using the indigenous Mirigan fabric. These items range from face masks and vanity bags to stylish blazers and jackets for women, and designer shirts for men. So far, nearly 19 varieties of products have been created using this handloom fabric.

The initiative also includes independent tailoring training to ensure that the women not only weave but also stitch the products themselves, making them self-reliant. The goal is not just skill-building, but to create a sustainable livelihood and inspire other women in the region to join the movement.

“Mirigan textile attracts women. Its design and border woo the customers. It is used to make long frocks, dresses, scarves and vanity bags,” said Madhusmita Mishra, an artist.

“After passing out matriculation examination, I started stitching dresses. We bought textiles from Kotpad and gave them shape,” said Saraswati Gouda, another artist. 

    
Generally, many people make special efforts to choose clothes that suit their personal taste. Among these, there has recently been a growing inclination toward handloom fabrics, whether it’s the Bomkai silk of Berhampur or Sambalpuri textiles. Now, there is increasing demand for Kotpad’s Mirigan fabric from Koraput district.

On the occasion of National Handloom Day, an initiative has been planned to both promote Mirigan fabric and boost its demand. To ensure this, young women and housewives are being empowered to become self-reliant through independent tailoring training. 

The BDO of Jeypore block has informed that there are plans to open dedicated centers like the ‘Barnika House’, as well as tailoring training and group production centers for this purpose.

"We have decorated the Jeypore Panchaya Samiti workshop in Kotpad’s Mirigan theme. We have used Kotpad’s Mirigan in each element. Around 50 women will be given stitching training in each batch,” said Shakti Mohapatra, Jeypore BDO.