NT Reporter
Panaji
In a novel move aimed at promoting Goa’s culture, the state government has decided to welcome delegates and guests visiting the state for official meetings and webinars by presenting them Kunbi shawls or mementos of beneficial or aromatic plants.
A related direction has been issued to all the heads of departments and offices.
A circular issued by the General Administration Department states that at the Swayampurna Goa Board meeting held on March 21, 2025, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed that delegates and guests visiting Goa for official meetings and webinars should be presented Kunbi shawls or mementos of beneficial/aromatic plants.
Apart from promoting the state’s traditional textiles, especially the culturally significant Kunbi shawl, the move is also aimed at encouraging environmentally sustainable practices by offering nature-friendly mementos.
Kunbi textile is Goa’s hand-woven, cotton, checkered textile, originally made by the Kunbi tribe and worn as a short, functional saree by paddy field workers. It is traditionally dyed in red
and white.
Late designer Wendell Rodricks helped revive the textile, and it is now available in various colours, including pastel hues, and used in modern garments.
