Every Weave a Legacy: Manjurekha Payenge of Lakhimpur
Manjurekha Payenge
The question this story follows:
“In a state that loves its handloom, can Manjurekha Payenge break through the border of Assam and carry her Tatkal-woven Mekhela Chador to the rest of India?”
Manjurekha Payenge learned Tatkal weaving at home from her mother — now she wants to take Assam's handloom to every corner of India.
Manjurekha Payenge is a handloom weaver from Konwar Gaon, Lakhimpur, Assam. She learned the art at home — from her mother, who still weaves beside her today. Her speciality is the Mekhela Chador and the Gamcha, woven using the intricate Tatkal technique that demands precision and deep familiarity with the loom.
Each gamcha takes a full day to complete. Mekhela Chador range from Rs 3,000 for standard pieces to Rs 10,000 and above for pure silk. Her designs are distinctive — one of a kind — and her market is strong within Assam, where appreciation for handloom runs deep. The challenge is reach: buyers beyond Assam are yet to fully discover what she makes.
Manjurekha weaves not just cloth but connection — every piece carries a story of a mother and daughter working quietly in a home in Lakhimpur, keeping alive something that belongs to all of Assam.
Updates
Episode 1: Manjurekha Payenge — Tatkal Weaving from Lakhimpur
My name is Manjurekha Payenge, and I am a handloom weaver from Konwar Gaon, Lakhimpur, Assam. Rooted in the rich textile traditions of my home, I learned weaving at home — a skill passed down through generations and kept alive with quiet devotion.
I specialise in handloom textiles, with a particular focus on the iconic Mekhela Chador and the everyday essential, the Gamcha. Each gamcha takes a full day to complete by hand. What truly sets my work apart is my mastery of Tatkal weaving — an intricate, time-sensitive technique that demands precision and deep familiarity with the loom. Paired with my one-of-a-kind designs, every piece carries a personality of its own.
My collection spans every occasion and budget. A standard Mekhela is Rs 3,000; premium pieces range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000; pure silk Mekhela is Rs 10,000 and above. Raw materials are sourced locally.
Behind every thread is a family story. My mother is my closest collaborator — together, we form a quiet but powerful creative unit, preserving an art form that is both deeply personal and culturally significant.
While my work thrives within Assam, reaching buyers beyond the state remains my biggest challenge. My dream is to take the beauty of Assamese handloom to every corner of the country, one thread at a time.
