Odisha Empowers Tribal Women with Kotpad’s Mirigan Textile on National Handloom Day
(OT Webdesk)On National Handloom Day, the Odisha government unveiled a transformative initiative in Kotpad, Koraput district, aimed at empowering tribal women through the revival of the traditional Mirigan textile.
Known for its organic dyeing and intricate tribal motifs, Mirigan fabric is being reimagined into modern products like masks, scarves, frocks, jackets, and designer shirts.
Led by the local administration, the program trains women and girls in tailoring and weaving, enabling them to independently produce and market handloom items.
With nearly 19 products already developed, the initiative blends cultural preservation with economic empowerment.
Artisans like Madhusmita Mishra and Saraswati Gouda are breathing new life into the textile, transforming raw fabric into contemporary fashion. “We bought textiles from Kotpad and gave them new forms,” Gouda shared.
The government plans to scale up the effort by training 50 women per batch and establishing production hubs like “Barnika House.” Panchayat Samiti workshops have been decorated with Mirigan textiles to raise awareness and inspire participation.
As demand for Odisha’s handlooms—Sambalpuri, Bomkai silk, and now Mirigan—continues to grow, this initiative signals a broader movement toward gender-inclusive development and self-reliance in tribal regions.
