The Association of Fashion Designers of Bangladesh (AFDB) in collaboration with SME Foundation presents Heritage Handloom Festival – 2019. The event is scheduled to be held from 23 – 26 October at Gardenia Grand Hall. The four-day event is aimed at preserving and promoting traditional handloom by featuring the creative work of top local and international designers along with the exclusive products of weavers and artisans from remote areas of Bangladesh. This is a unique platform where weavers and artisans work on the same platform with designers and share each other’s experience and skills.
In a seamless blend of artistic creativity from diverse cultures and traditions, the exhibition will have a total of 45 stalls displaying unique products made from 15 heritage products: Jamdani, Nakshi Kantha, Mirpur Benarasi, Tangail Taant, Sirajgonj Taant, Rajshahi Silk, Khadi, Rangamati Handloom, Manipuri Handloom, Jute Products, Handmade Jewelry, Shotronji, Rikshaw art, Cane & Bamboo Products and Pato Chitra.
Weavers and artisans from these 15 sectors have been trained and mentored jointly by AFDB, SMEF and prominent artists Kuhu Plamondon, Kanakchapa Chakma, and Biplob Saha. International celebrity designers will also join to exhibit their exotic handloom collections adding a new dimension to the festival.
The main highlight of the event will be the art of weaving where master artisans from various sectors will demonstrate their different techniques of weaving. Aiming at a holistic approach for the development of the weavers, artisans, and stakeholders, the event will also host Seminars, focused group discussions, research projects by students, fashion shows, publication launch and cultural programs.
The main objectives of this 4-day event are to
- Revive and promote our heritage handloom products,
- Provide a platform for weavers and designers to exchange knowledge, skills, experience, and resources with each other
- Facilitate the weavers and artisans with marketing and export opportunities
- And most importantly, encourage youth engagement in the handloom industry
The exhibition will be inaugurated by one of its chief guest Honorable Planning Minister, Mr. M A Mannan. on 23 October, Wednesday at 5 pm. Joining the Honorable Planning Minister, the State Minister of Industries Kamal Ahmed Mojumder MP and State Minister of Cultural Affairs KM Khalid MP will be present as Special Guests at the inauguration program. The Chairperson of the SME Foundation, KM Habib Ullah will preside over the inauguration program.
Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, International Relation Affairs Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister will also helm one of the seats of chief guests on the second day of the event, 24 October.
Honorable Minister of Industry Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun MP will attend the closing ceremony of the event as the Chief Guest on 26 October at 3 pm. As Special Guests, Ministry of Industries Secretary Md Abdul Halim and Secretary Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal, NDC from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is scheduled to participate in the event. The closing ceremony will also be presided by the Chairperson of the SME Foundation.
Renowned Fashion Designer Chandra Shekhar Saha provided the overall support for the event. Among the well-known designers’ products of Mantasha Ahmed, Kuhu Plamondon, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, and Biplob Saha will be showcased in the exhibition.