North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a CPSE under Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), launched Padma Doree, a unique cross-cultural textile initiative. The project brings together the Eri silk traditions of Northeast India with Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh, creating a unified and sustainable textile ecosystem.
About Padma Doree
It represents an innovative fusion of two distinct Indian textile tradition: Eri silk and Chanderi weaving- combining durability and warmth with delicate motifs and sheer texture. It reflects a convergence of fibre, craftsmanship, and generational knowledge systems across regions.
- Launched by: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)
- Executing Agency: North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC)
Aim
- To promote a sustainable and integrated textile ecosystem connecting different regions of India
- To bring indigenous knowledge systems into the global luxury textile market
- To ensure economic empowerment of local artisans
Key Features
- Material Fusion: Combines Eri silk (Ahimsa silk) produced without harming silkworms with Chanderi’s traditional cotton-silk and zari work
- Artisan Collaboration: Encourages direct engagement between artisans of Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh for collaborative design
- Cultural Integration: Includes regional culinary experiences, highlighting broader cultural richness beyond textiles
- Innovation Focus: Modernises traditional crafts to align with global sustainable fashion trends
- Environmental Integrity: Uses natural dyes, maintaining eco-friendly and traditional dyeing practices
- Ethical Approach: Promotes non-violent silk production, ensuring no harm to silkworms
Significance
- Strengthens national integration by linking Central India with Northeast India through shared craftsmanship
- Promotes ethical fashion and sustainability via Eri silk-based production
- Enhances global visibility of Indian textiles in sustainable luxury markets
- Supports artisan livelihoods and preservation of traditional crafts