Nagaon Assam Mekhela Chador Weaving Cooperative

Nagaon district in central Assam is a major handloom centre for Assamese mekhela chador — the two-piece Assamese traditional dress worn by women. Weavers in Suwalkuchi and Nagaon town weave mekhela chadors in eri silk, muga silk, and cotton with jamdani-style supplementary weft motifs. Nagaon cooperative weaver societies affiliate with the Assam Handloom and Textile Department for yarn subsidy. Mekhela chador production spikes before Bihu festivals when demand for handloom dress is highest. Cooperative members weave at home looms and deliver finished sarees to cooperative depot for grading and sale. Nagaon handloom cooperative is one of the largest employer cooperatives in Assam outside tea gardens.