Direct Market linkage can transform livelihoods, turning traditional skills into pathways for economic independence. 

Project Sashakt organised three Handloom Market Development Melas at Chirang, Kamrup, and Dhubri districts of Assam during June 2026. The events created direct market opportunities for women-led handloom cooperative societies while promoting Assam’s rich textile heritage and strengthening sustainable livelihoods. 

Across the three districts, a total of 25 women-led cooperative societies participated, generating combined sales of ₹2,09,090, demonstrating a strong trust in consumer demand for locally produced handloom products, reflecting it as a meaningful income opportunity for the women involved. 

The melas brought together women weavers, government departments, financial institutions, livelihood missions, development partners, and local communities to support women entrepreneurs and expand market linkages for handloom products. The first mela was organised in Chirang district on 10 June, with the participation of eight handloom cooperative societies. This was followed by a three-day mela in Kamrup from 17-19 June, where ten women-led cooperative societies showcased their products. The final mela was held in Dhubri district on 19 June, bringing together seven cooperative societies. 

Participating cooperatives displayed a diverse range of traditional Assamese handloom products, including Mekhela Chador, Gamocha, Aronai, Dokhona, stoles, scarves, bedsheets, and dress materials, offering visitors a close look at the depth of the region’s weaving traditions. 

Beyond sales, the events enabled women weavers to link directly with customers, institutional stakeholders, government representatives, and potential buyers, helping them better understand market demands, customer preferences, and opportunities for business expansion. The melas also worked toward strengthening both backward and forward market linkages through collaboration with departments such as Handloom & Textiles, Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), banks, and Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI), in order to lay foundation of a promising future with the partnerships essential for improving access to markets, financial services, technical support, and future business opportunities. 

The melas closed with participating cooperatives gaining new buyer contacts and stronger confidence to expand their businesses. The event was led by the objectives of enhancing the visibility and entrepreneurial capacities of the women involved and highlighting the role of collective enterprises in driving sustainable rural development. 

HPPI is implementing Project Sashakt in partnership with the European Union, supporting women’s economic empowerment, preserving Assam’s rich handloom heritage, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities across the state. When women weavers are connected to the right markets, tradition becomes enterprise, and enterprise weave lasting change.