Weaving and embroidery is one of the main industry of Assam. Some of the Assamese traditional garments like Mekhela - Chadar, two piece Assamese ladies apparel have beautiful designed borders.
Handloom comprises of one of the oldest industries in the northeastern state of Assam. It is known far and wide for its rich textures and designs. Every handloom product created in Assam is unique and has no resemblance with the other.
Cotton, Muga silk, Paat (Silk), Eri silk are common fabrics widely used for weaving. Images of animals, human figures, creepers, flowers, birds etc. are embroidered on handloom products. Sarees, shawls, jackets, gamocha (Assamese Towel), table spreads, mats and napkins are the common products. Cachar district and Sualkuchi (Silk weaving centre) are the main handloom weaving centres of Assam.
Fibre is also weaved on a loom made of wood and bamboo poles in Batadrava area of Nagaon district and Gauripur of Dhubri district. Seats, mats and cushions are made with fibre.
Muga Silk
The King of Silks, Muga is golden yellow in appearance and is extracted from the semi- domesticated silkworm Antheraea assama, common to this region only. Different traditional attires, like mekhala-chaddars and saris, are made from the silk. The biggest Muga silk producing centre in Assam is Sualkuchi.
Paat Silk (Mulberry Silk)
A variant of the Muga silk, Paat is extracted from silkworms that are raised exclusively on the leaves of Mulberry plants (hence the name). The texture of the silk is very refined and is in great demand among the fashion conscious and the trend setters all across the globe. The shiny and bright silver color of the silk gives a new shade and meaning to the traditional attire of Assam.
Eri Silk
The warm Eri silk is made by the silkworm Philosamia ricini, which harbors on the castor oil plant. Also known as the Endi silk or the non-violent silk, it is mainly used to make shawls and quilts. A unique feature of the products made from this silk is that they are slightly coarse in the beginning, but become soft and smooth after regular use. The silk comes in a variety of colors, like cream, gold, brown and beige. Its porous quality and thermal nature makes it ideal for use in both summers and winters.