08/08/2026
August 7 – National Handloom Day 🧵
In Kannur, famously known as the “Land of Looms and Lore,” how many of us know about the ‘Odam’ Handloom Museum at Payyambalam?
‘Odam’, Kerala’s first State Handloom Museum, began functioning at Payyambalam in 2023. Through 10 thoughtfully curated galleries, the museum beautifully showcases the centuries-old history and heritage of Kannur’s world-renowned handloom industry, the evolution of weaving, and modern handloom technologies.
A proud symbol of Kannur’s rich handloom legacy, the Odam Handloom Museum narrates the story of the weaving traditions of this historic city in North Kerala—the land of looms and Theyyam.
Located in the heart of Kannur, the museum is housed in a heritage building constructed in the Indo-European architectural style during the period when Malabar was under British rule. Its 10 galleries trace the evolution of human civilisation through the heritage of clothing and textile production, while bringing alive the glorious handloom traditions of Malabar.
The galleries offer fascinating insights into the handloom trade along the Malabar coast and accounts given by travellers about the region’s textiles. Visitors can experience how textile weaving evolved from early crafts such as mat weaving, net weaving and palm-leaf weaving.
The museum also highlights the invention of the ‘Odam’, which played an important role in the modernisation of handloom technology. Other galleries explore the distinctive features of Indian textile production, as well as the influence of Kerala’s renaissance movements and the Indian freedom struggle on the handloom industry.
A three-dimensional recreation of traditional weaving streets gives visitors a glimpse into the atmosphere of an earlier era, while modern looms such as the Jacquard loom demonstrate the technological evolution of weaving.
Let’s rediscover our heritage. ❤️
This National Handloom Day, let us celebrate the skilled hands, timeless traditions and stories woven into every thread of Kannur.
If you haven’t visited Odam yet, perhaps it’s time to discover this lesser-known treasure of Kannur—and introduce its rich heritage to the next generation.
Want to explore Kannur and discover its rich culture, heritage and timeless traditions?
From handloom and Theyyam to heritage experiences and hidden gems, let us help you experience the real Kannur. ❤️
📍 Kannur Tours & Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
📞 99471 28811
Explore Kannur. Experience its stories. Take home the memories. 🌿🧵
