Imphal: The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Government of Manipur, Anurag Bajpai today inspected the ongoing preparations for MANITEX 2026 at Nilakuthi, with a focus on creating an attractive, culturally distinctive and business-oriented platform to showcase the Manipur State’s rich handloom and textile heritage to national and international visitors. Director (Handlooms & Textiles) K. Ibohal Singh; MD (MHHDCL) Basanta Singh; and Designers accompanied him during the visit.
During the inspection, the ACS reviewed the proposed event layout and issued directions for the design and development of the main stage, pandal and exhibition stalls. Emphasis was laid on ensuring an aesthetically appealing and well-coordinated presentation that reflects the unique identity, craftsmanship and cultural richness of Manipur’s handloom and textile traditions.
ACS directed that the venue be enhanced through creative decorative structures, thematic installations and innovative use of Manipur handloom and textile products. The designs should highlight the diversity of traditional fabrics, indigenous motifs, weaving techniques and the artistic excellence of local artisans including IDPs. The overall ambience should provide visitors with an immersive experience of Manipur’s textile heritage.
Bajpai laid particular emphasis on developing attractive business promotion points, interactive display areas and designated selfie points to enhance visitor engagement and create greater visibility for Manipur’s handloom and textile products. The installations should be visually distinctive, visitor-friendly and suitable for sharing across digital and social media platforms, thereby extending the reach of MANITEX beyond the exhibition venue.
While appreciating the efforts being made by the Director (HT) & his team, Bajpai underscored that MANITEX 2026 should not be confined to an exhibition of products but should serve as a strategic platform for market expansion, business networking, buyer–seller interaction and global promotion of Manipur’s handloom and textile sector. The event should facilitate stronger linkages between weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, traders, institutional buyers and potential investors, while creating opportunities for wider domestic and international market access.
The agencies involved were directed to ensure timely completion of all preparatory works, maintain high standards of design and execution, and coordinate closely to deliver a professionally organised and visually compelling event.
MANITEX 2026 is envisaged as an important initiative to promote Manipur’s distinctive handloom and textile products, strengthen the market presence of local weavers and entrepreneurs, and position the State’s rich textile heritage as a source of cultural pride, livelihood generation and economic growth.
