New Delhi, August 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked National Handloom Day by highlighting the sector’s vital role in rural empowerment, women-led development, and the vision of a self-reliant India. He paid tribute to the skills, creativity, and dedication of weavers and artisans, assuring that the government will continue to support the handloom sector.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Modi stated, “Today, on National Handloom Day, we celebrate India’s rich and vibrant handloom heritage. We also honor the skills, creativity, and dedication of our weavers and artisans. For generations, they have preserved and enriched our traditions.”
He further urged citizens to share their favorite handloom products and GRWM videos on this special occasion, which would boost the morale of those connected to this sector.
National Handloom Day is observed annually on August 7, commemorating the Swadeshi Movement that began in 1905. This day celebrates the weaving heritage and recognizes the contributions of 3.52 million weavers and associated workers, over 72% of whom are women.
In 2026, this occasion reflects the diversity inherent in the handloom industry, rooted in regional knowledge. The sector is also gaining new expressions through design, digital platforms, and global markets. Government support, awards, market access, and authenticity protection measures are helping these traditions reach a wider national and international audience.
India’s handloom tradition has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization. References to spinning and weaving can be found in ancient texts such as the Rigveda, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, which describe the superior quality of Indian cotton and silk.
For centuries, the art and techniques of weaving have been passed down from one generation to the next, evolving through unique practices across various regions of India. The establishment of National Handloom Day in 2015 provided a dedicated national platform for this long-standing heritage.
According to the fourth All India Handloom Census conducted in 2019-20, approximately 3.145 million handloom families were recorded, including 3.522 million handloom weavers and associated workers nationwide. Among them, 848,000 were engaged in pre- and post-weaving activities such as winding, warping, dyeing, and calendaring. Additionally, the social and geographical data indicate that handloom is closely linked to rural livelihoods.
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