Ikat Fest: Thread Pochampally Opens At Hitex

Hyderabad: Thread Pochampally, a first‑of‑its‑kind celebration of Telangana’s world‑renowned Pochampally Ikat heritage, was inaugurated at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hall 4, on Friday. The exhibition will continue till Sunday.

The programme was organised by the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri collectorate and inaugurated by minister for agriculture, marketing, co‑operation and handlooms & textiles Tummala Nageswara Rao in the presence of minister for roads & buildings and cinematography Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, senior government officials, artisans, industry representatives and handloom enthusiasts.

A major attraction is the innovative AI Experience Booth, where visitors can virtually dress themselves in a range of Pochampally Ikat outfits and experience the versatility of the craft in a modern, interactive format. The exhibition also presents a detailed step‑by‑step visual journey of the Ikat‑making process, allowing visitors to understand the precision involved in transforming yarn into intricate woven masterpieces.

With more than 100 stalls already drawing significant visitor interest, Thread Pochampally offered an extensive collection of authentic handloom products, including traditional sarees, contemporary fashion, men’s wear, home furnishings and lifestyle products. The exhibition highlighted the growing versatility of Pochampally weaving while maintaining its commitment to natural fibres, traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

Another important feature is the participation of Telangana Tourism, which is promoting customised packages enabling visitors to explore the weaving villages of Pochampally, interact directly with artisan families, witness traditional looms in action and gain a deeper appreciation of one of the world’s most unique handloom traditions.

Ministers formally inaugurated the exhibition by cutting the ribbon at the specially designed entrance pavilion, which offers visitors an immersive introduction to the world of Pochampally Ikat. The inauguration commenced with vibrant performances by Telangana folk artistes, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the state and setting the tone for a grand celebration of craftsmanship and heritage.

The pavilion features traditional handlooms in operation, an exclusive display of handwoven masterpieces created by Padma Shri award‑winning artisans, and artistic installations showcasing natural dyes and their ingredients that form the foundation of the iconic weaving tradition.

Addressing the gathering, Tummala Nageswara Rao emphasised the importance of supporting Telangana’s weaving communities and preserving the state’s rich handloom heritage. He appealed to citizens of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and surrounding regions to visit Thread Pochampally, buy authentic handloom products and contribute directly to the livelihoods of thousands of weaver families who continue to uphold this extraordinary craft.

Visitors also enjoyed a unique culinary experience through specially curated food stalls featuring traditional delicacies and local flavours from the Pochampally region, making the event a complete celebration of culture, heritage, craftsmanship and community.

According to officials of the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri collectorate, the programme offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to discover, experience and support one of Telangana’s most treasured cultural legacies.