Date
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Category
General
Blog Summary
Discover the significance of India's National Handloom Day, the history behind this celebration, and why supporting the handloom sector matters for preserving cultural heritage and empowering rural communities.
Full Content
National Handloom Day is commemorated in India on August 7 each year. This observance aims to raise public awareness about the handloom sector and its significance to the nation's socio-economic development.
What is handloom?
A 'handloom' is a loom that is used to weave cloth without the use of any electricity. Hand weaving is done on pit looms or frame looms generally located in weavers' homes. Weaving is primarily the interlacing of two sets of yarn - the warp (length) and the weft (width).
National Handloom Day History:
In 2015, the Government of India decided to designate the 7th of August every year as National Handloom Day. The first celebration was inaugurated on August 7, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai.
Why the handloom sector matters:
The handloom sector represents our country's rich and varied cultural heritage and is an important source of livelihood in rural and semi-rural areas. This sector directly promotes women's empowerment, with over 70% of all weavers and allied workers being female.
Rooted in nature, handloom production features eco-friendly processes with minimal requirements for capital and power. It provides flexibility to innovate and adapt to changing fashion trends and customer preferences.
Significance of the handloom industry:
Accounts for almost 15% of cloth production in India
Represents 95% of the world's production of handwoven fabric
Has a flourishing export market
Is the second largest employment sector in India after agriculture
Assam has the highest number of handlooms in the country
How to celebrate National Handloom Day:
Attend handloom fairs and exhibitions
Support local weavers by purchasing handloom products
Spread awareness about Indian handloom traditions
Wear handloom garments to show your support
Share information about handloom on social media
What is handloom?
A 'handloom' is a loom that is used to weave cloth without the use of any electricity. Hand weaving is done on pit looms or frame looms generally located in weavers' homes. Weaving is primarily the interlacing of two sets of yarn - the warp (length) and the weft (width).
National Handloom Day History:
In 2015, the Government of India decided to designate the 7th of August every year as National Handloom Day. The first celebration was inaugurated on August 7, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai.
Why the handloom sector matters:
The handloom sector represents our country's rich and varied cultural heritage and is an important source of livelihood in rural and semi-rural areas. This sector directly promotes women's empowerment, with over 70% of all weavers and allied workers being female.
Rooted in nature, handloom production features eco-friendly processes with minimal requirements for capital and power. It provides flexibility to innovate and adapt to changing fashion trends and customer preferences.
Significance of the handloom industry:
Accounts for almost 15% of cloth production in India
Represents 95% of the world's production of handwoven fabric
Has a flourishing export market
Is the second largest employment sector in India after agriculture
Assam has the highest number of handlooms in the country
How to celebrate National Handloom Day:
Attend handloom fairs and exhibitions
Support local weavers by purchasing handloom products
Spread awareness about Indian handloom traditions
Wear handloom garments to show your support
Share information about handloom on social media