11th National Handloom Day

The Union Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC), celebrated the 11th National Handloom Day on August 7 with the launch of an exclusive Handloom Expo and the “Haat on Wheels” mobile retail initiative.

Significance of National Handloom Day 🇮🇳

• Historical Roots: The day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905. This movement championed indigenous industries, including handlooms, as a form of economic resistance against British colonial rule.
• Establishment: In honor of this legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015. The first celebration was held in Chennai.
• Purpose: The day aims to recognize the handloom weaving community’s contribution to India’s socio-economic development and to promote and preserve the nation’s rich handloom heritage.

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Diversity of Indian Handlooms

India’s handloom sector is renowned for its wide variety of fabrics and regional styles, each a unique work of art.

• Fibers: Handloom products are made from various fibers, including cotton, khadi, jute, linen, and rare fibers like Himalayan nettle.
• Silks: Distinctive silk varieties include Tussar, Mashru, Mulberry, Eri, Muga, and Ahimsa.
• Wools: The sector also produces fine woollen weaves like Pashmina, Shahtoosh, and Cashmere.
• Regional Styles: Each region has its own unique style, such as:
  • Rajasthan: Tie and dye techniques
  • Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi
  • Uttar Pradesh: Jacquard patterns
  • Odisha: Bomkai and Kotpad
  • Goa: Kunbi
  • Maharashtra: Paithani
  • Kerala: Balarampuram
  • West Bengal: Jamdani and Baluchari