India is celebrating National Handloom Day on August 7 to pay tribute to the rich cultural and socioeconomic contributions of the handloom weavers in the country.The National Handloom Day serves as a platform to raise public awareness regarding the handloom sectors pivotal role in Indias social and economic progress and highlights the ways to empower the weavers, particularly women, who constitute a significant portion of this sector.Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in an event to mark National Handloom Day at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhis Pragati Maidan.#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in the National Handloom Day celebration at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan pic.twitter.com/ZufDx4i35I— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023PM Shri @narendramodi participates in the National Handloom Day celebrations. #NationalHandloomDay https://t.co/FmvW5KmQbp— BJP (@BJP4India) August 7, 2023The event was hosted by the Union Ministry of Textiles to honour the countrys handloom heritage as a part of the Prime Ministers Vocal for Local programme.“Today, we celebrate National Handloom Day to honour the weavers & artisans, who, with their skills & talent, continue to preserve the rich legacy of our traditional handloom,” the Ministry wrote on Twitter.Today, we celebrate *National Handloom Day* to honour the weavers & artisans, who, with their skills & talent, continue to preserve the rich legacy of our traditional handloom. pic.twitter.com/SBCEMb0NSz— Ministry of Textiles (@TexMinIndia) August 7, 2023“At 12 noon tomorrow, 7th August, I will join the National Handloom Day celebrations at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. This is an occasion to reiterate our commitment towards popularising local textiles and handlooms in the spirit of being Vocal For Local.,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Sunday.At 12 noon tomorrow, 7th August, I will join the National Handloom Day celebrations at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. This is an occasion to reiterate our commitment towards popularising local textiles and handlooms in the spirit of being Vocal For Local. https://t.co/z6w3Ex5tAV— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2023Why does India celebrate National Handloom DayThe Government of India designated August 7 as National Handloom Day, a date that carries profound historical significance as it marks the inception of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 – a vital component of Indias struggle for independence. The movement aimed to stimulate domestic production and decrease reliance on imports from Great Britain, thus promoting self-sufficiency.As part of this movement, khadi production gained momentum, becoming a symbol of self-reliance. The essence of the movement was further immortalied when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, near India Gates Princess Park, hoisted the khadi-made Indian flag to celebrate the nations long-awaited independence at the stroke of midnight hour.Subsequently, National Handloom Day was inaugurated on August 7, 2015, by the Indian government in Chennai. This day serves as a conduit for recognising the weavers dedication and skill, as well as commemorating the Swadeshi Movements enduring legacy.The handloom industry is not merely a testament to Indias cultural heritage it is a vital engine for socioeconomic progress. With over 70% of handloom weavers and workers being women, the industry plays a pivotal role in womens empowerment. National Handloom Day shines a spotlight on the indispensable contribution of these artisans to the nations advancement, highlighting the need to safeguard this legacy and create more opportunities for them.
