Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference: 700-year-old Tangaliya weaving tradition finds new opportunities with global investors
Gandhinagar – Dec 4 (ANI)
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s encouragement of “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi,” the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) will be staged from 8 to 11 January 2026 at Marwadi University, Rajkot. The event will showcase the industrial, economic and cultural strengths of Kutch and Saurashtra and shine a spotlight on one of Gujarat’s most ancient artistic traditions – Tangaliya weaving.
The Tangaliya hand‑weaving tradition, estimated to be 700 years old, has earned global acclaim for its distinctive dotted patterns, called “daana.” The technique, honed by the Dangasia community of Surendranagar, weaves extra weft threads into the warp to create fine geometric motifs. Its cultural value, precision and rarity merit its prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, protecting this age‑old heritage.
Once at risk of being eclipsed by industrial processes and mass production, Tangaliya weaving has enjoyed a worldwide revival fueled by a growing appreciation for traditional crafts. At the heart of this renaissance stands Padma Shri Lavjibhai Parmar, whose four decades of dedication have kept the art alive. His Common Facility Centre has trained new artisans, supplied technical guidance and opened market channels, allowing the craft to flourish once again.
Through exhibitions and collaborations with designers and buyers across the country, Parmar has earned the respected nickname “Tangaliya no Trantaar,” meaning the saviour of Tangaliya.
The international appeal of Tangaliya was recently underscored when Surendranagar artisan Baldev Mohanbhai Rathod’s Tangaliya shirt was worn by Hollywood star Brad Pitt in the film “F1,” giving Gujarat’s craftsmanship unprecedented exposure on the global stage.
Reflecting Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,” the Tangaliya tradition today stands as an emblem of Gujarat’s cultural identity, skilled craftsmanship and living heritage. The VGRC aims to further elevate this legacy by creating new opportunities for artisans, weaving clusters and craft‑based entrepreneurs. By linking them with global investors and markets, the conference seeks to foster inclusive growth, skill development and the preservation of traditional livelihoods – especially in regions like Kutch and Saurashtra.
By bringing together local artisans, young innovators, investors and cultural ambassadors on one platform, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference becomes more than an economic forum; it becomes a celebration of Gujarat’s cultural soul. It underlines the belief that true development uplifts communities, preserves heritage and instils pride in every household.
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