Ukhrul Tangkhul Naga Weaving Cooperative Manipur

Ukhrul district in Manipur is the homeland of the Tangkhul Naga people whose women weavers produce distinctive shawls, wraparound skirts called nare, and ceremonial blankets on backstrap looms. Tangkhul weaving uses handspun cotton and wild silk with supplementary weft patterns in red, black, and white. Design motifs include stylised animals, geometric borders, and clan-specific patterns that mark social status. Cooperative weaver societies in Phungyar and Ukhrul town organise loom thread supply, training workshops, and exhibitions at Shirui Lily Festival. Manipur Sangai Festival provides a major market platform. Tangkhul shawls are protected as cultural property of Ukhrul under state tribal art patronage.