Celebrating National Handloom Day – August 7

 

Celebrating National Handloom Day – August 7

On August 7, we celebrate National Handloom Day to honour India's rich weaving traditions and salute the skilled weavers who keep them alive. 

National Handloom Day was first observed on August 7, 2015, by the Government of India. This date was chosen to mark the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, when Indians united to promote indigenous industries and boycott British goods. The movement highlighted the importance of handloom as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride. Since then, this day is celebrated every year to recognize the contribution of weavers to India's economy and cultural heritage.

The handloom industry not only reflects our cultural identity but also provides employment to over 35 lakh people, many of whom are women.

What’s Special in 2025?

• 11th National Handloom Day will be officially celebrated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest. The event will be attended by around 650 weavers, distinguished guests, and government officials. Honours including 5 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards will be conferred to outstanding artisans.

What’s Happening Around It?

From 1 to 7 August 2025, the Ministry of Textiles will host the “Know Your Weaves” Campaign at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in New Delhi. 

This initiative features:

• Live weave exhibitions

• Interactive workshops and quizzes

• Storytelling installations and guided student tours
  There's also a broader week-long programme (1–8 August), including loom demonstrations, Handloom Haat exhibitions, “Haat on Wheels” mobile outlets, a loom hackathon by IIT Delhi, an international expo, and fashion shows featuring iconic textiles.

Why It Matters

• The handloom sector is vital to India’s cultural and economic fabric, contributing nearly 22% of cloth production and employing millions of artisans—with over 70% women weavers. 

• Handloom Day and the surrounding events aim to highlight sustainability, slow fashion, rural empowerment, and the rich diversity of India’s weaving traditions.

Handlooms of India and Their Origins

Handloom Type	Place of Origin	Key Features
Banarasi Silk	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Rich zari, Mughal motifs, brocade work
Chanderi	Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh	Lightweight silk/cotton, floral motifs
Maheshwari	Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh	Silk-cotton, reversible border (bugdi)
Kanjeevaram Silk	Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu	Heavy silk, vibrant contrast borders
Pochampally Ikat	Telangana	Tie-dye patterns, geometric designs
Sambalpuri Ikat	Sambalpur, Odisha	Traditional motifs, Bandha weaving
Patola	Patan, Gujarat	Double Ikat, precise and vibrant
Baluchari	Bishnupur, West Bengal	Mythological scenes on pallu
Tant	Nadia, West Bengal	Crisp cotton, everyday wear
Muga Silk	Assam	Golden luster, exclusive to Assam
Eri Silk (Ahimsa Silk)	Assam & Meghalaya	Soft texture, non-violent silk
Paithani	Paithan, Maharashtra	Peacock motifs, gold zari
Kalamkari	Andhra Pradesh & Telangana	Hand-painted block designs
Bhagalpuri Silk	Bhagalpur, Bihar	Tussar silk, natural shades
Kota Doria	Kota, Rajasthan	Checkered pattern ("khat"), airy fabric
Phulkari	Punjab	Floral embroidery on cotton
Pashmina	Kashmir	Soft wool, luxury shawls
Ilkal Saree	Ilkal, Karnataka	Bold checks, traditional motifs
Molakalmuru Sarees	Chitradurga, Karnataka	Rich temple motifs, vibrant colors
Chettinad Cotton	Tamil Nadu	Bold patterns, earthy tones
Naga Tribal Weaves	Nagaland	Wool/cotton, tribal geometric symbols
Loinloom (Backstrap Loom)	Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur	Tradi