Tripura’s handloom revival: risha shawls go from wedding trousseau to world catwalks

The risha — a finely woven shawl worn by women of Tripura’s indigenous communities — has stepped off the wedding stage and onto the runway, thanks to a cooperative of young designers working with veteran weavers.

The designs stay true to the geometric motifs of the Tripuri, Reang and Jamatia traditions, but the cuts and colours are new: muted greys, indigo, ochre. Export orders have followed.

Weavers say the revival has made handloom a viable livelihood again — and slowed the drift of young hands to the city.