National Handloom Day-2025: 7 August

Why in News ?

National Handloom Day is celebrated every year on 7 August. This day is dedicated to honoring the rich heritage of the Indian handloom tradition and highlighting the valuable contribution of weavers.

Key Points:

• On this day, special events are organized across the country, which include handloom exhibitions, fashion shows, design workshops, awards to weavers, exhibition of GI products, etc.
• Many design institutes and industrialists also join this campaign to give a global platform to traditional products.

History and Background

• The Swadeshi movement was started on 7 August 1905.
• This movement was started in protest against the partition of Bengal by the British rule, in which Indians resolved to boycott foreign clothes and adopt indigenous fabrics and products.
• This movement was also an attempt to revive the handloom industry.
• Keeping this historical importance in mind, the Government of India announced to celebrate 7 August as National Handloom Day for the first time in the year 2015.

Objective of National Handloom Day

• To preserve and promote the uniqueness and tradition of the handloom sector
• To honor traditional artisans and weavers
• To promote indigenous textiles and products
• To make the younger generation aware of local handicrafts and handlooms
• To strengthen campaigns like 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'

Handloom Tradition of India

• India's handloom sector is the oldest in the world and full of diversity.
• Every state has its own unique weaving style and design.
  • Like - Banarasi saree in Uttar Pradesh, Kanjivaram in Tamil Nadu, Tant and Baluchari in West Bengal, Sambalpuri in Odisha, Chanderi and Maheshwari in Madhya Pradesh etc.
• This tradition is not just a textile but also an expression of India's cultural identity and folklore.
• The art depicted on these textiles includes gods and goddesses, nature, folk life and traditional symbols.

Government efforts

• The government has launched several schemes and initiatives to promote handloom.
• These include schemes such as design improvement, technical training, credit support to weavers, marketing platforms, GI tags and digital marketing.
• Initiatives such as India Handloom Brand, Weaver Credit Card, National Handloom Development Programme and e-commerce platforms have helped weavers connect with new markets and customers.