Hyderabad: Agriculture, Marketing, Cooperation, Handlooms and Textiles Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and Roads and Buildings and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Friday launched the Thread Pochampally exhibition at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.
The exhibition aims to showcase Telangana’s globally recognised Pochampally Ikat heritage and promote the State’s handloom sector. Senior government officials, handloom artisans, industry representatives and handloom enthusiasts attended the inaugural programme in large numbers.
Meanwhile, Telangana folk artists opened the event with cultural performances that highlighted the State’s rich traditions and attracted visitors.
Thread Pochampally exhibition highlights traditional craftsmanship
Organisers created a specially designed entrance pavilion featuring traditional handlooms, which has emerged as a major attraction. Visitors are also exploring handcrafted works created by Padma Shri awardees.
In addition, displays of natural dyes and the materials used to prepare them are drawing considerable attention. Organisers also showcase different stages of the traditional Ikat weaving process.
Furthermore, an AI-powered experience booth has become one of the most popular attractions at the venue. The booth allows visitors to virtually wear Pochampally Ikat garments and experience the designs interactively.
Likewise, organisers created a dedicated visual gallery that explains the Ikat production process step by step. As a result, visitors gain deeper insights into the craftsmanship behind the renowned weaving tradition.
More than 100 stalls offer traditional sarees, contemporary fashion apparel, men’s clothing, home décor products and lifestyle items. Consequently, the exhibition demonstrates how Pochampally weaving continues to adapt to modern consumer needs while preserving its traditional identity.
Thread Pochampally exhibition promotes tourism and handlooms
The Telangana Tourism Department has partnered with the event and is promoting special tourism packages to Pochampally village.
Through these packages, visitors can meet weaving families directly and watch traditional looms in operation. Moreover, the initiative seeks to strengthen cultural tourism and support local artisans.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao urged people to support the welfare of Telangana’s handloom workers. He also appealed to residents of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and nearby areas to visit the exhibition in large numbers.
Additionally, the Minister encouraged visitors to purchase authentic handloom products and support thousands of weaving families who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
Special food stalls serving traditional Pochampally cuisine provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience alongside the exhibition. Thus, the event combines handloom heritage, local culture and regional cuisine under one roof.
The Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district administration is organising the Thread Pochampally exhibition, which will continue until June 7, 2026.
Overall, the event offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore, experience and promote Telangana’s celebrated handloom heritage while supporting the artisan community.