Bhubaneswar, August 7: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has appealed to the people of Odisha to incorporate handloom into their lifestyle. He urged residents to wear handloom-made garments at least once a week to support thousands of weaver families across the state.
While addressing the inauguration of the 12th State-Level National Handloom Day celebrations at the IDCO Exhibition Ground, the Governor encouraged government officials, public representatives, educators, professionals, and young citizens to set an example by choosing Odisha’s handloom products.
He stated, “Such a small personal commitment can transform into a powerful movement to support our thousands of weaver families across the state.”
Kambhampati emphasized that every handwoven fabric carries a story of skill, dedication, family tradition, and human creativity. Unlike machine-made products, each handloom item reflects the artisans’ commitment and personal touch.
He further noted that purchasing handloom products goes beyond acquiring fabric; it helps a family, sustains rural employment, empowers women, preserves traditional knowledge, and strengthens the local economy.
The Governor remarked that National Handloom Day is not merely a celebration of an industry but a day to honor India’s civilization, culture, and the skilled hands that have preserved the country’s weaving heritage for centuries. Celebrated annually on August 7, this day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, when handwoven fabrics became symbols of self-reliance and national pride.
Discussing Odisha’s rich handloom heritage, the Governor highlighted that the state’s weaving tradition is rooted in the ancient maritime legacy of Kalinga and is a vital part of its cultural identity. Odisha’s renowned handloom products have gained recognition worldwide for their unique designs and craftsmanship, including Sambalpuri Bandha, Odisha Ikat, Bomkai, Khandua, Kotpad, Habaspuri, Berhampur Patta, and Gopalpur Tussar.
Referring to this year’s theme, “A Part of Handloom in Everyone’s Life,” Kambhampati stated that handloom should not be limited to special occasions but should be integrated into daily life through clothing, home decor, and other products. He praised efforts to strengthen the sector through design innovation, digital marketing, tourism engagement, institutional support, and technology-based product traceability.
The Governor congratulated the recipients of the State Handloom Awards, stating that weavers are guardians of an invaluable cultural heritage. He expressed confidence that Odisha’s handloom sector will continue to showcase the state’s identity, creativity, and excellence on the global stage.
During the event, videos on “Kusum – Revival of Lost Fabrics” and “Karuna Silk” were presented. The foundation stones for the Kasta Handloom Building in Jagatsinghpur and the Tussar Silk Park Phase-I and Tussar Facility Center in Sukinda, Jajpur, were laid. Additionally, a virtual inauguration of the Fabric Calendaring Unit in Rautapada, Khurda, took place.
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