The 2nd National handloom day is being celebrated all around the country on 7th August 2016. On the occasion of National Handloom Day, the Ministry of Textiles Smriti Irani has organised a special programme and celebration at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. The day is celebrated to evoke keen awareness about the significance of handloom industry and its hefty contribution to socio-economic development of the nation.

“Observance of National Handloom Day would generate awareness about the importance of handloom industry as a part of our rich heritage and culture, promote handloom products and lead to increase in income of weavers as well as enhance their confidence and pride”.

It must be noted that hand-woven fabrics transform their way into textiles when artisans introduce block printing, imprints, brocade, embroidery or brocade on to them. In fact, handloom weaving, traditional art of fabric printing and handicrafts are all interrelated and need to be promoted jointly. The Indian government has conferred geographical indication status to some of these looms so that these crafts and looms enjoy a patented identity.

National Handloom Day, which was first celebrated in 2015, will be celebrated at state level in all states and in 200 different handloom clusters. To mark the Swadeshi Movement which begun on August 7, 1905 with the objective to generate awareness about the importance of handloom industry and its contribution to the socioeconomic development, the government on July 29, 2015

On August 7th 1905, the Swadeshi Movement was formally kicked off at Calcutta. The movement involved revival of domestic products and production techniques. That is why the Government of India has declared August 7 as National Handloom Day every year.

Union Textiles Minister – Smriti Zubin Irani
Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship – Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy
Minister of State of Textiles – Shri Ajay TamtaTextiles