National Handloom Day: It was on July 2015, that the Union Government designated August 7 as National Handloom Day to raise awareness about the handloom industry's role in the country’s socio-economic development. This date was chosen to honor the Swadeshi Movement, which began on August 7, 1905, at Calcutta Town Hall as a protest against the British Government's partition of Bengal. The movement aimed to revive and promote domestic products and production methods.
The handloom sector represents India’s rich cultural heritage and is a vital source of livelihood, particularly empowering women, as over 70% of handloom weavers and related workers are women.
The inaugural National Handloom Day took place on August 7, 2015. On this day, the achievements of the handloom weaving community are celebrated, and the sector’s contributions to the country's socio-economic development are highlighted. The day reaffirms the commitment to preserving handloom traditions and enhancing opportunities for weavers and workers. The Government continues to support the sustainable growth of the handloom sector, aiming to boost the financial well-being of handloom artisans and honor their exceptional skills.
Celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day: A Tribute to Weaving Traditions
On August 7, 2024, Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi will host the 10th National Handloom Day, honoring the rich heritage of handloom weaving. This year’s celebration will be graced by the Hon’ble Vice President of India as the Chief Guest. The event will also feature Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, among other distinguished guests, including MPs, renowned designers, industry representatives, exporters, senior government officers, and over 1,000 weavers from across the nation.
During the ceremony, notable awards such as the Sant Kabir Awards and National Handloom Awards will be presented to exceptional handloom weavers in recognition of their significant contributions to the industry. The Hon’ble Vice President will also release the Award Catalogue and a Coffee Table Book titled “Parampara - Sustainability in Handloom Traditions of India.”
National Handloom Day was first celebrated on August 7, 2015, a date chosen to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous industries, including handloom weaving. The observance aims to honor the craftsmanship of handloom weavers and foster a sense of pride and motivation within the industry. It also seeks to raise awareness about the sector’s cultural, traditional, and economic significance.
In conjunction with the 10th National Handloom Day, a variety of activities will be held across all States and Union Territories. These events, organized by State Governments, Weaver Service Centres, Apex Handloom bodies, educational institutions such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology and Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, the National Handloom Development Corporation, and the National Crafts Museum, will celebrate and promote the handloom tradition.
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