India Celebrates 10th National Handloom Day with Honors, Exhibitions

National Handloom Day, observed annually on August 7, commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, an initiative aimed at opposing British rule and promoting self-reliance in rural India. The movement, championed by Mahatma Gandhi, encouraged the use of hand-spun fabric, particularly khadi, as a symbol of self-help and national pride.

| Updated: 08 August, 2024 3:10 pm IST

NEW DELHI: India marked its 10th National Handloom Day today with a series of ceremonies and exhibitions dedicated to the rich traditions of handloom weaving. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar presided over the celebrations, conferring the prestigious Sant Kabir Awards and National Handloom Awards to exemplary handloom weavers for their outstanding contributions to the sector.

10th National Handloom Day celebration at Dilli Haat-INA. Photo by: Ritu Rawat

During the event, Vice President Dhankar also released the “Award Catalogue and Coffee Table Book,” titled Parampara: Sustainability in Handloom Traditions of India. The occasion was attended by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, Members of Parliament, designers, industry representatives, senior government officers, and over 1,000 weavers from across the nation.

The day’s celebrations aimed to raise awareness about the significance of the handloom sector and its role in the socio-economic development of India. National Handloom Day serves to honour handloom weavers and inspire pride in the industry, recognizing their contributions to the country’s cultural, traditional, and economic landscape.

As part of the festivities, the “Virasat” exhibition of handloom products is being held at Delhi Haat INA from August 1 to 15. This exclusive showcase features a thematic display and live demonstrations, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of handloom weaving. Exhibits from various parts of the country include renowned fabrics and saree materials such as Madhubani painting, Banarasi sarees, zari work, block printing, and more at Dilli Haat INA.

National Handloom Day, observed annually on August 7, commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, an initiative aimed at opposing British rule and promoting self-reliance in rural India. The movement, championed by Mahatma Gandhi, encouraged the use of hand-spun fabric, particularly khadi, as a symbol of self-help and national pride.

The first National Handloom Day was celebrated in 2015 in Chennai, marking the 110th anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement’s launch. The event underscored the enduring importance of indigenous industries and the handloom sector in India’s history and development.

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