Assam, as has been remained as a great wonder to the outside world, can boast of its rich varieties of Handicrafts and Handloom. Handicrafts, the magic of art of Assamese craftsmen, a common passion evoking the deep sense with its primitive simplicity and elegance. The famous colorful Assamese Zapi (headgear), Terracotta of Gauripur, Cane Furniture, Bamboo Mug, Table Light, Bamboo Tray and various native items witness the craftsmanship of Assam.

On the other hand, offering the myriad of colors and contours, its lyrical motifs and design, Assam’s Handloom is always fascinating and praiseworthy. Attention may be deserved for the Eri, Muga (Assamese Silk Dresses) and typical attires for its warm colors and intricate design only. The weavers of this enchanting land weave dreams in their looms. Whether dresses or decorative both the arts are the reflection of rich and variegated cultural traditions. Besides, the Corporation has been trying to showcase the colorful attires of different communities living in Assam and entire North East. The famous Bodo Dakhana and Arnai, colorful Karbi dresses, Rabha dresses, Rabha Wrapper and Muffler with special design and varieties of Naga Shawl (of different tribes) etc. are most demanding handloom items for the domestic and foreign customers too.

Assam Govt. Marketing Corporation Ltd (AGMC), an Assam Government undertaking has been doing best ever since its formation in 1959 for the preservation and promotion of this timeless tradition of Handloom & Handicrafts through a series of marketing schemes to gear up this glorious industry.

Assam Government Marketing Corporation Ltd. (AGMC) has been dealing with the procurement, promotion and marketing of high quality and wide variety of traditional Assam handloom products viz- Assam Silk, Endi Silk, Cotton Mekhela Chadar, Gamucha, Pat Gamucha, Silk and Cotton Riha, Laichemphee etc. since its inception in 1959.

The Corporation also deals with the famous Assam Tea, the traditional Sarai (made of Bel Metal), Japi, Rhino (the symbol of Assam), Memento of Kamakhya Temple, Rong Ghar, Dhol-Pepa Gagana and various other traditional items all made of wood procured from the weavers, craftsman & artisans of the State of Assam through its Central Purchase Committee.

The Corporation has showroom (Emporia), name & styled as ‘PRAGJYOTIKA’ Assam Emporium in some district headquarters of Assam and also outside Assam. At present, it has 7 (seven) Branches (outlets) in the following places-

• Guwahati
• New Delhi
• Kolkata (Gariahat)
• Kolkata (Russel Street),
• Tezpur
• Sivasagar
• Silchar.

Through these sales outlets, the Corporation has been marketing and promoting the various handloom and handicraft products of the state exclusively and has also been taking a vital role in promoting and upgrading the livelihood of the poor Weavers and Artisans of Assam, thereby improving the socio-economic conditions of these section of people of Assam.

Where to buy Handlooms and Handicrafts from?

If you happen to visit Assam, you surely need to purchase some wonderful souvenirs for yourself or your friends and family to keep the memories of the beautiful state afresh in your mind. Even though there are a lot of emporiums across the state and outside Assam offering a variety of traditional handloom and handicrafts, find below the list of places in the capital city of Guwahati where you can buy traditional items from:

1. Pragjyotika Assam Emporium

Address: Pragjyotika Bhawan, Gopi Nath Bordoloi Road, Ambari, Guwahati-781001

2. Jagaran - A Showroom of Artfed

Address: G.N.B, Ambari Rd, Guwahati, Assam 781001

3. Artfed Jagaran

Address: Airport Rd, VIP, KahiKuchi, Guwahati, Assam 781015

4. Brawfed

Address: AK Azad Rd, Bishnu Rabha Nagar, Rehabari, Guwahati, Assam 781008

5. Artfed Jagaran

Address: AK Azad Rd, Bishnu Rabha Nagar, Rehabari, Guwahati, Assam 781008