Prime Minister Narendra Modi declares August 07 as National Handloom Day in Chennai. Following the requests from several quarters, the central government decided to declare August 7 as National Handloom Day to be observed throughout the country every year beginning from 2015.

Observance of National Handloom Day would generate awareness about the importance of handloom industry as a part of country’s rich heritage and culture, promote handloom products and lead to increase in income of weavers as well as enhance their confidence and pride. According to records, over 43 lakh persons are engaged in handloom weaving and allied activities in India as per the last handloom census. This industry is a source of livelihood to large section of rural population particularly women, and BPL families, in addition to this being a part of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the country.

All state governments have been requested to arrange celebration of this day all over the country by encouraging active participation of all segments of the society.

Declaration of National Handloom Day will play a vital role in the life of handloom weavers facing hardship in their daily life. The handloom is second largest employment generating sector in the country after agriculture and getting foreign revenue for the country through export, he added.