Handloom Day at 14,000 Ft: Pangong hosts Tiranga Yatra to honour Ladakh’s Weavers

LEH: National Handloom Day was celebrated in Lukung village of Changthang on Friday with a Tiranga Yatra, the launch of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and a cleanliness drive around Pangong Lake, highlighting Ladakh’s handloom heritage, artisan welfare and environmental conservation.

Organised by the District Administration Changthang in collaboration with the Department of Handlooms and Handicrafts, Leh, the event was held at Lukung, located on the banks of Pangong Lake at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.

Deputy Commissioner Changthang Nitish Rajora, IAS, who attended the programme as the chief guest, emphasised the need to preserve Ladakh’s traditional handloom practices while encouraging artisans to adopt innovation and improve the quality and marketability of their products. He also appreciated the efforts of the Department of Handlooms and Handicrafts and the Sub-Divisional Administration for promoting artisan welfare in one of the country’s highest inhabited regions.

To support local weavers, the department distributed Amber Charkhas and Fly Shuttle Looms under its welfare initiatives to improve productivity and strengthen the handloom sector.

The programme began with a welcome address by the Assistant Director, Handlooms and Handicrafts, Leh, outlining initiatives aimed at promoting traditional crafts, skill development and artisan welfare.

A major attraction of the celebration was the Tiranga Yatra led by local artisans and handloom weavers carrying a hand-knitted National Flag prepared by women weavers of the region. Students, government officials and local residents also joined the rally, reflecting support for India’s handloom traditions and indigenous craftsmanship.

The event also marked the commencement of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in Changthang, with week-long activities beginning on August 7. Alongside the celebrations, officials, artisans, students and local residents participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign by undertaking a cleanliness drive around Pangong Lake to promote environmental conservation and responsible tourism.

The celebrations commemorated the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 and underscored the role of handloom in preserving Ladakh’s cultural identity while supporting sustainable livelihoods and local craftsmanship.