Bargarh is the center of Western Odisha, has long been a hub of culture that is rich in tradition and crafts which tell the story of the region’s rich heritage. In 2025, when the world-renowned Bargarh Dhanu Jatra held its annual festival, it was the venue for an event that was truly extraordinary that was The National Handloom Expo. The expo brought together the best weaver and craftsmen across India to display their amazing creations, with a specific emphasis on the renowned Sambalpuri cloth as well as sarees. The massive success of the expo has not just highlighted the Indian traditional arts, but has also put Sambalpuri craft in the spotlight of global fashion.
The National Handloom Expo – A Hub of Tradition

It is the National Handloom Expo which is held in the prestigious Bargarh Dhanu Jatra is rapidly becoming one of India’s most sought-after exhibitions. It is a venue for the country’s top artisans and experts in handlooms to display their work from intricate handlooms to breathtaking design of fabrics. The event this year was a spectacle that saw more than 100 weaver from all over the country especially from in the Sambalpuri belt, join together to exhibit their talents.
The expo was held in a large arena that was adjacent with festivities of the Dhanu Jatra festivities, ensuring the perfect blend of tradition, culture, and art. The visitors were able to feel the vibrant energy of Dhanu Jatra while perusing various handmade items, crafts and other accessories that reflected the diversity of Indian culture. What made this expo interesting it was this year’s blending of traditional craft with contemporary designs, which made it more than simply a celebration of the past, but an opportune vision for what the future holds for Indian handlooms.
Sambalpuri Sarees and Fabric – The Heart of the Expo
One of the most significant aspects of the expo was the impressive exhibit of Sambalpuri fabric as well as Sambalpuri Sarees that are renowned around the world for their unique tie dye methods, exquisite weaving and vivid patterns. Famous for their vivid color and historical significance, Sambalpuri sarees have been the symbol of Odisha’s history for long periods of time.

The expo included over 200 different patterns featuring the traditional hand-woven Ikat method. These fabrics, well-known for their precision and vivid designs, attracted collectors and buyers from across the world and across the country. In addition, with these sarees being a hit and the expo having paved ways for these classic textiles to be viewed by an international public.
The stalls provided an amazing variety of Sambalpuri designs, each item telling a different story. The range was from Tussar silk sarees to cotton Ikat dupattas there was something for any budget and taste. Buyers had the chance to buy ready-made clothing, but also to commission items that were custom-made to reflect the style and creativity that of the purchaser as well as the weaver.
Key Data and Figures from the event
- More than 1000 Weavers participated This year’s National Handloom Expo was attended by more than 100 weavers across Odisha Each bringing distinctive styles and designs. Weavers from various districts within the Sambalpuri region, which includes Bargarh, Sonepur, and Balangir.
More than 1000 Weavers participated This year’s National Handloom Expo - Over 8000 Visitors Attended The event was attended by more than 5000 people, ranging from locals to international tourists. The energy was palpable visitors came from all areas of India and from all over the world to experience the handlooms. The event also attracted the attention of culture-lovers fashionistas, designers of textiles, and fashion-conscious influencers who are becoming increasingly attracted by the vibrant nature in Sambalpuri textiles.
- 100+ Designs of Fabric Exhibited More than 100 distinct designs of fabrics were displayed during the expo which was centered of Sambalpuri Ikat sarees and home decor items and clothes. The fabrics varied from silk and cotton to blended fibers providing a unique look into the art of making by the artisans.
- A Major Economic Gain The expo played significant part in increasing awareness of Sambalpuri textiles as well as local artisans creating economic opportunities and creating the creation of a long-term market that is sustainable for their work. During the expo, sales reached the figure of INR2 crore in the expo, with a large number of visitors buying multiple pieces for their collections. The surge in sales brought an important boost to the economy to the craftspeople and families who depend on their work to earn a living.
- international buyers and exposure The show brought buyers from nations like those from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan and France, which has significantly contributed to the potential for exports of Sambalpuri handlooms. The exposure has opened the door to future collaborations and growth into international markets. The buyers from abroad were particularly attracted by the combination of traditional methods and modern styles, which gave the items a distinctive contemporary look.
Promoting Sambalpuri Fabric to the World
The National Handloom Expo which is held in conjunction and with Bargarh Dhanu Jatra is proved to be a vital platform to advertising Sambalpuri fabric in the world. Through the event, artisans from India have not only earned recognition in India but also have a chance to reach international buyers eager to buy genuine, hand-crafted textiles.
The role played by the expo in enhancing the popularity of Sambalpuri sarees has been crucial. These sarees, renowned for their symbolic designs like elephants, peacocks and even flowers, tell stories of Odisha’s rich culture and its history. They were displayed at an important event of culture this expo emphasized the importance of conserving traditional craftsmanship while opening the way to innovation and contemporary versions.
Through direct interaction between buyers and artisans, it has boosted both the prospects of export that are available to Sambalpuri products which are now sought-after by markets that were previously not explored. This recognition has created new opportunities to the craft-based tourism industry that have already started to expand in Bargarh as well as other parts of Odisha. The expo also offered area for discussions and workshops that allowed artisans to gain new techniques and ways to improve their skills.
Economic Impact and Government Support
The popularity that was enjoyed by the National Handloom Expo is a sign of the increasing acceptance and appreciation for handlooms within India’s economic system. The expo’s success is also a testament to the crucial role the government’s policies, influenced by prominent figures such as Dharmendra Pradhan, are playing in promoting traditional art and crafts on a both the international and national level.
By 2025 the expo witnessed significant participation from the state government of Odisha as well as the support of infrastructure and financial aid that aimed at helping facilitate the event. Government support is crucial in helping weavers gain access to new markets and opportunities, assuring they can ensure that Sambalpuri fabrics remain in the forefront for the next generation. This year’s National Handloom Exposition is an excellent illustration of how government initiatives to promote handlooms as well as traditional industries can result in real economic development.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Sambalpuri Handlooms
The National Handloom Expo held in Bargarh during Bargarh Dhanu Jatra 2025 has been an incredible event, not only for the craftsmen and the local community however, it has also led to the recognition that is given to Sambalpuri handicrafts. With its lively showcase that showcases traditional handlooms, sarees of Sambalpuri and hand-woven fabrics the event is setting the stage for a new period of growth for the tradition-based handloom business.
In the same way that Bargarh Dhanu Jatra remains an emblem of pride in culture and pride, the addition at this National Handloom Expo has only helped to enhance the fabric of culture of Odisha which has helped propel it onto the international stage. For those who are yet to see the splendor of Sambalpuri fabrics the fair has offered a wonderful introduction to the art of handwoven textiles, proving that the future for traditional Sambalpuri dresses and handwoven fabrics is hopeful and bright.
If you’re a lover of traditional craft or who is new to textiles, Bargarh Dhanu Jatra 2025 and the National Handloom Expo must be the top of your list of must-attend events. In the future, we can only imagine the worldwide development of Sambalpuri handlooms and the growing number of people from all over the world who are embracing these timeless works of art.
Also, read Bargarh Dhanu Jatra Date and time