Chendamangalam’s Renowned Handloom Sector Faces Challenges Before Onam

Chendamangalam Weaving Sector

Cultural Importance: Chendamangalam (Ernakulam, Kerala) is renowned for its handcrafted textiles, particularly sought after during Onam.

Crisis in the Weaving Sector: The number of weavers has decreased from approximately 5,000 in the 1980s to about 500 today (distributed among 5 cooperative societies).

Reasons: Attraction of job assurance programs, belief in insufficient salaries, and lack of interest among young people.

Compensation is feasible when adjusted to meet new designs/market demands.

Resilience & Innovation: The Chendamangalam-Karimpadam Handloom Cooperative Society garnered international recognition during the 2018 floods by creating 'Chekutty dolls' from dirty fabric.

Handwoven Textile Sector

The Indian handloom sector is among the oldest and most dynamic cottage industries globally.

The Swadeshi Movement, initiated on 7th August 1905, promoted local industries as a method of economic opposition to colonial domination.

To commemorate this heritage, the Government of India announced 7th August as National Handloom Day in 2015.

As per the 4th All India Handloom Census (2019–20), approximately 35.22 lakh households participate in this activity, with roughly 72% of economic handloom weavers being women.

Primary Export Destination: During FY 2024-25, the United States continued to be the top destination, with the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom following in that order.

Products: Home textiles like cushion covers, curtains, table linens, and various household goods constituted 42.4% in 2024-25, while floor coverings including carpets, rugs, and mats accounted for 40.6%.

Clothing accessories made up 12.7%, whereas fabrics represented 4.3%.

Chendamangalam Textile Industry

Cultural Significance: Chendamangalam (Ernakulam, Kerala) is famous for its artisanal textiles, especially in demand during Onam.

Crisis in the Weaving Sector: The count of weavers has fallen from around 5,000 in the 1980s to nearly 500 currently (spread across 5 cooperative societies).

Causes: Appeal of job security initiatives, perception of inadequate pay, and disinterest among the youth.

Compensation becomes viable when adapted to align with new designs/market needs.

Resilience & Innovation: The Chendamangalam-Karimpadam Handloom Cooperative Society achieved global acclaim during the 2018 floods by crafting 'Chekutty dolls' from soiled materials.

Handcrafted Fabric Industry

The handloom industry in India is one of the oldest and most vibrant cottage sectors in the world.

The Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7th August 1905, supported indigenous industries as a form of economic resistance against colonial rule.

To honor this legacy, the Government of India declared 7th August as National Handloom Day in 2015.

According to the 4th All India Handloom Census (2019–20), around 35.22 lakh households engage in this activity, with nearly 72% of economic handloom weavers being female.

Main Export Destination: In FY 2024-25, the United States remained the leading destination, followed by the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom in that sequence.

Home textiles such as cushion covers, curtains, table linens, and different household items made up 42.4% in 2024-25, while floor coverings like carpets, rugs, and mats represented 40.6%.

Clothing accessories accounted for 12.7%, while fabrics comprised 4.3%.