Kotpad,Aug 20 [UDN}: Kotpad is renowned worldwide for its handloom sarees. On the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day 2026, Rukmani Mahant of Kotpad was honoured at the concluding ceremony of the National Handloom Day celebrations held in Bhubaneswar for her outstanding contribution to the handloom sector.
As part of the celebrations, the Odisha Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department first conducted a district-level competition at the Kotpad Block office, focusing on Kotpad textiles through art and interviews. A total of 10 teams participated in the competition. Rukmani Mahant and her team won first prize along with a cash award of ₹10,000, qualifying them for the state-level competition.
At the state-level programme in Bhubaneswar, Rukmani presented artwork and participated in an interview highlighting the traditional Kotpad handloom, impressing and attracting the attention of the judges. She was subsequently selected for the State Handloom Award.
At the programme, Odisha Handlooms and Textiles Minister Pradeep Bal Samant presented the award and trophy to Rukmani Mahant and her team, including Khagapati Panika and Puja Mahant.
Following the honour, Rukmani Mahant received widespread congratulations and appreciation. Her dedication, craftsmanship and lifelong commitment to the handloom tradition are being hailed as an inspiration for the next generation of weavers. Promoting and carrying forward Odisha’s proud handloom identity remains the primary goal of the artisans of Kotpad.
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