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National Handloom Day is celebrated every year on the 7th of August. The aim is to pay tribute to the handloom community for carrying on the traditional heritage and ensuring financial stability. The day also commemorates the Swadeshi Movement. Handloom artistry refers is the type of artistry that generally does not require a power loom. However, the process might need manual involvement and an artistic approach to finish the production. Keep reading to know more about the National Handloom Day.
Table of Contents
Meaning and Purpose
The day is celebrated on August 7, every year. The day recognizes and appreciates the Indian textile industry’s participation and involvement to maintain the socio-economic growth of the country.
- National Handloom Day is observed to increase the awareness of the public regarding the handloom sector and its contributions.
- To preserve Indian handloom tradition and to provide more opportunities to people in the sector
- Safeguard the long-term viability of the sector by economically strengthening the handloom artisans and thus encourage pride in fine artistry.
History
The history of this day can be traced back to the Swadeshi Movement. The movement was held on 7th August. The Swadeshi Movement has encouraged indigenous industries particularly, the handloom weaving industry. Thus, the Indian government decided to designate the day as National Handloom Day. The first National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7 August 2015. It was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in Chennai.
Why is the National Handloom Day Significant?
This day is celebrated under the coordination of the Ministry of Textiles. The day is significant due to several reasons. These are listed below:
- 70% of the handloom weavers in India are women. Hence, the handloom sector plays a major role in women’s empowerment
- According to the 2019-20 data, approximately 31.45 families are involved in handloom, weaving, and other related activities.
- The handloom and artisans have contributed to India’s soft power thus ensuring monetary flow. For example, Khadi diplomacy, and Saree Diplomacy.
- Moreover, exports are made to more than 20 countries such as US, Germany, and UK.
National Handloom Day 2023: Theme
The National Handloom Day 2023 theme is not available. The theme for this day 2022 was ”Handloom, an Indian Legacy’ The 2022 National Handloom Day was the 8th one. The Day was celebrated to recognise the contribution of the handloom industry to the socioeconomic development of the country.
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National Handloom Day 2023: Scheme
Some of the popular handloom initiatives are the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), and Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS).
Also Read: Textile Technology: Scope, Courses Offered, and Scope
Changes in Government Policies for National Handloom Day
Several steps have been taken up by the government on this day in 2021. These steps have been taken up to promote the handloom sector in India. Below we have listed some of them:
- The handloom, power loom, wool, jute, and silk boards were discontinued. These boards have become areas of political sponsorship and were offering no genuine help to the weavers.
- Creation of handloom portals, Fashion Design Council of India, support fund to support upcoming designers in India, Atma Nirbhar Bharat program was launched to support handloom weavers in India.
How to Celebrate?
Handloom Day 2023 can be celebrated by everyone to recognise the contributions made by the Indian workers and weavers. Some of the things that can be done to celebrate this day are as follows:
- Attend the Handloom Fairs within the city or take part in an online event
- Donate money at a local weaver shop to support the workers
- Spread awareness about the handloom sector within the community. It can be done with the help of social media apps. For example, posting an image regarding handloom products.
Handloom Events
This day can be celebrated by participating in several government-run events. These are the upcoming events that anyone can be a part of. Visit the official website:(mygov.in) to apply for the same.
- Selfie content with Indian selfie Handloom
- Share your entrepreneurship story
- Create a reel and show your love for handloom
- Pledge to use Indian handloom
Quotes
Quotations made by significant people are always worth a read. Here is a list of the popular National Handloom Day Quotes:
- “I do spinning and weaving as an important part of any national education system,” said Mahatma Gandhi.
- “A good life is like weaving. Energy is created in the tension. The struggle, the pull, and the tug are everything.” Joan Erikson.
- “Life is a loom, weaving illusion.” ― Vachel Lindsay.
Also Read: World Environment Day: Theme, History, Importance
FAQ
The National Handloom Day is celebrated on August 7 every year in India. The day recognises the work of the handloom community. The National Handloom Day also commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 7th August 1905.
The National Handloom Day was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 7th August 2015. The inauguration was done in Chennai.
The first handloom in India was introduced at the Mohenjo-Daro site in the 18th century. As per evidence out of all arts and crafts, Indian handloom is the oldest.
National Handloom Day is celebrated in India on the 7th of August every year. The day recognises the contribution made by the handloom weavers. The day was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in 2015 in India. To discover more articles like this one, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.