Weaving new future: Goa’s Kunbi crafts village takes shape

A handloom hub coming up in Sanguem taluka is enclosed by the luxuriant green of nature and is the perfect site to nourish a heritage asset central to the state’s identity. Modern looms and amenities will inspire weavers, draw in visitors, and stitch a tradition to entrepreneurship

Goa’s centuries-old Kunbi handloom tradition will soon acquire the weft of modern marketing support, threading funds and opportunities for artisans.
Amid the lush greenery of Sanguem taluka, a new hub for Goa’s Kunbi legacy is taking shape. The Kunbi Handloom Crafts Village, a centrally sponsored project under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), aims to showcase and revive this unique artisanal heritage.

The Rs 15 crore initiative, spearheaded by Goa Handicrafts Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC), envisions a comprehensive ecosystem to support Kunbi weavers and artisans.
“This project is crucial for preserving our Kunbi identity and providing sustainable livelihoods to traditional artisans,” explains Ajay Gaude, the managing director at GHRSSIDC. “The traditional artisan community of Goa has faced numerous challenges in recent decades, from mechanisation to the loss of traditional knowledge. This village will reinvigorate their crafts and empower the artisans.”
Inclusive haven for artisans
Though it is named in honour of the tribes, the Kunbi village will not be a preserve of the tribals alone but will be accessible to all artisans.
Situated near the picturesque Selaulim dam, the 16,000sqm Kunbi Handloom Crafts Village will feature a range of facilities. A centrally located island will serve as the heart of the community, with a performance stage, seating areas, and landscaped green spaces. Surrounding it will be artisan workshops, display galleries, and a dedicated accommodation block for visiting weavers.
“The workshops will be equipped with modern looms and dyeing facilities, allowing the Kunbi artisans to enhance productivity and experiment with new design ideas,” Gaude elaborates. “We are also building a co-working space and business incubator to foster entrepreneurship.”
Addressing infrastructure gaps, the project includes a security checkpoint, parking zones, food kiosks, and public amenities. “These practical elements are essential for creating a self-sufficient, visitor-friendly ecosystem,” Gaude notes.
Vivid patch in history’s fabric
Kunbi weaving is intimately tied to the region’s cultural identity. Traditionally, Kunbi sarees and fabrics were woven using locally sourced cotton and natural dyes, with intricate motifs reflecting the community’s agrarian lifestyle.
“The Kunbi loom is a symbol of our resilience and ingenuity,” says Dhanita Gaonkar, a fourth-generation Kunbi weaver. “But the craft has faced existential threats as mechanised textiles flooded the market. This village is a much-needed lifeline for us to revive and evolve our techniques.”
The project’s success hinges on empowering Kunbi artisans as active stakeholders. GHRSSIDC has engaged the community in the planning process, incorporating their feedback on design, infrastructure, and training needs.
“We want this to be truly their village — a space where they can showcase their creativity, mentor the next generation, and build sustainable enterprises,” Gaude emphasises.

Draping tourism in authenticity
With the first phase nearing completion, the Kunbi crafts village is poised to become a vibrant centre for cultural tourism and economic revival. As Goa looks to preserve its unique identity in the face of rapid development, this project offers a promising model for safeguarding traditional crafts and livelihoods.
“This is just the beginning,” Gaonkar says with optimism. “The Kunbi weave will shine brighter than ever, reclaiming its rightful place in Goan pride and global appreciation.”