Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on National Handloom Day, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant tradition of handlooms in India. Using social media platform X, Modi expressed pride in the nation's artisans and emphasised the government's commitment to promoting local craftsmanship with the message, "Vocal for Local."
In his message, PM Modi highlighted the importance of handlooms in preserving India's cultural heritage and promoting self-reliance. He acknowledged the efforts of weavers and artisans who keep traditional crafts alive through their dedication and skill.
This year's National Handloom Day marks the 10th anniversary of the celebration, with significant events planned to honour the contributions of the handloom industry.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also shared his best wishes on National Handloom Day. He praised the weavers and business community involved in the handloom industry for their role in maintaining the spirit of Swadeshi, preserving Indian culture and traditions through their craftsmanship. Yadav urged citizens to support the resolution of a self-reliant and prosperous India by embracing handloom and indigenous products.
The main event to celebrate National Handloom Day will take place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the chief guest.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles Pabitra Margherita will also attend the function. The event will be graced by Members of Parliament, eminent personalities, designers, industry representatives, exporters, senior government officers, and over 1000 weavers from across the country.
During the ceremony, the prestigious Sant Kabir Awards and National Handloom Awards will be presented to outstanding handloom weavers. These awards recognize the exceptional contributions of weavers to the handloom sector.
Additionally, a special publication titled "Parampara- Sustainability in Handloom Traditions of India" will be released by the Vice President. This Coffee Table Book highlights the sustainability and cultural significance of handloom traditions in India.
The celebration of National Handloom Day was initiated by the government in 2015, following the vision of Prime Minister Modi. The date, August 7, was chosen to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched in 1905, which encouraged the use of indigenous products and industries, particularly handlooms. This movement played a crucial role in promoting self-reliance and national pride in local craftsmanship.
National Handloom Day aims to honour the dedication and hard work of handloom weavers, motivating and instilling a sense of pride in the handloom industry. The day also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of the handloom sector and its contribution to the country's socio-economic development. Handlooms are not just a means of livelihood for many artisans but also a vital part of India's cultural and traditional identity.
The handloom sector holds significant economic value, providing employment to millions of weavers and artisans across the country. It is a sector that requires skill, patience, and creativity, with each piece of handloom fabric representing the rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship of Indian weavers. The celebration of National Handloom Day serves as a reminder of the need to support and preserve this invaluable part of India's cultural heritage.
Through various initiatives and programs, the government aims to empower handloom weavers, provide them with better opportunities, and ensure the sustainability of the handloom industry.
By promoting the use of handloom products and creating awareness about their importance, National Handloom Day plays a crucial role in preserving India's cultural legacy and supporting the economic well-being of its artisans.
As India celebrates National Handloom Day, it is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the value of handlooms and the artisans behind them. It is a day to appreciate the artistry, dedication, and contribution of weavers to the country's cultural and economic landscape. By supporting handloom products, individuals can contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts and promote a self-reliant and prosperous India.