The story
The puan, a wraparound cloth, is central to Mizo dress, and each pattern has its own use, from the festive Puanchei to the Pawndum used at funerals. Weaving moved from back-strap looms in villages to small fly-shuttle loom units in and around Aizawl, which supply the whole state. Five Mizo textiles were registered as GIs in 2019-20.
In numbers
Pawndum (586), Ngotekherh (587), Hmaram (588), Tawlhlohpuan (582) and Mizo Puanchei (583) were registered as GIs in 2019-20.
Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India) · 2026Mizoram's raw silk production was 58.4 tonnes in FY25.
Mizoram: State Economy and Industries (IBEF) · 2026
GI tag
- PawndumApplication no. GI Application No. 586Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- NgotekherhApplication no. GI Application No. 587Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- HmaramApplication no. GI Application No. 588Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- TawlhlohpuanApplication no. GI Application No. 582Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Mizo PuancheiApplication no. GI Application No. 583Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Small loom units weaving puan for local demand
- Yarn and dye supply
- Online sale to the Mizo diaspora
- Garments and bags from puan fabric
Problems the cluster faces
- Cheaper puan woven outside the state
- High yarn transport costs
- Limited demand beyond Mizo buyers
Businesses to start here
Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →Shawls, Stoles, Scarves and Wraps →Textile Made-Ups (Napkins, Mats, Aprons) →Regional Speciality Products E-commerce Marketplace →