National Handloom Day, held on August 7th each year, is dedicated to India’s rich handloom and the craftsmen associated with it. This day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement, recognising the weavers supporting the nation’s multifaceted fabric culture.
We celebrate Happy Handloom Day to spread information on the importance of the handloom industry and Traditional Crafts in India’s socio-economic development and the conditions of artisans. National Handloom Day 2024 stresses the continued protection and appreciation of India’s cultural imagery.
National Handloom Day 2024: History
National Handloom Day history originates from the Swadeshi Movement that began in August 1905. The movement, which began on August 7 in Calcutta Town Hall, was an attempt to restore the domestic industry and decrease the import of British goods.
Apart from reviving the emotional appeal associated with Indian-made textiles, the National Handloom Day Swadeshi Movement helped boost the local economy.
Realising this historical credibility, August 7 was declared National Handloom Day in 2015, beginning a pipeline to rediscover and preserve the handloom industry of India.
National Handloom Day 2024: Theme
The specific National Handloom Day theme 2024 has not been declared officially. Previous editions have focused on women weavers, using affirmative action for campaigns, handicraft awareness, and the diverse Indian fabric industries. The next theme is also believed to be in sync with this tradition, as it deals with handloom as a culture and an economy.
National Handloom Day 2024: Significance
National Handloom Day holds deep significance for multiple reasons:
1. Cultural Preservation: The day reminds people about traditional Indian textiles like Banarasi silks, Kanchipuram sarees, and similar products that continue to be produced to teach the younger generation about them.
2. Economic Impact: Handloom is one of the biggest sectors of employment, providing work to more than 35 lakh families. It is highly significant in the country’s rural economy as it contributes to income and economic stability.
3. Sustainable Practices: Handloom weaving is a safe process with less energy input and a focus on utilising natural colours and materials.
4. Women Empowerment: Most handloom workers are women, and therefore, this sector helps empower women in society.
5. National Identity: Handloom products have always been a symbol of pride in the Indian nation’s heritage of artistry.
Changes in Government Policies on National Handloom Day 2024
The Indian government has implemented several policies to enhance the handloom sector, ensuring its growth and sustainability:
1. Atma Nirbhar Bharat Initiative: This programme is under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and his vision is the development of the handicraft sector and to encourage people to buy local products, the focus is the handloom weavers. The purpose is to enhance the promotional level of Indian handloom products and opportunities in the market.
2. Discontinuation of Various Textile Boards: The handloom, power loom, wool, jute, and silk boards were abolished because they had become politicised and failed to extend the necessary support to the weavers.
3. Launch of Handloom Portals: The management has also developed new pages on virtual market space to directly sell handloom products, excluding the middlemen and hence offering fair prices. This initiative improves the weavers’ market access and economic stability.
4. Fashion Design Council of India Support Fund: This support fund was created to help the new generation of designers in India increase their cooperation with weavers to develop appealing products. It also assists in buying leftover handloom products and contributes to the income of weavers by creating a market for their products.
National Handloom Day 2024: Quotes
To honour the skill and dedication of India’s handloom weavers, here are some inspiring National Handloom Day quotes:
1. “When human hands and heart work in tandem, grace is in the making. Handwoven cloth has beauty and grace that is significant”- Sadhguru
2. “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and the soul of its people.” — Mahatma Gandhi
3. “Handlooms weave dreams into fabric.”
4. “Weaving is an art form that intertwines tradition with innovation.”
5. “Supporting handlooms is embracing the legacy of our ancestors.”
6. “Through handlooms, we touch the spirit of India’s artistry.”
7. “Handlooms: where tradition meets creativity in every thread.”
Conclusion
National Handloom Day 2024 is a happy celebration of India’s handloom and handicraft industry and the country’s weavers and craftsmen. Thus, acknowledging people’s efforts and encouraging sustainability, we pay tribute to the past while crafting a wonderful future. Therefore, let’s ensure the future is bright for handloom sarees and other goods. Let’s cherish and promote them as much as we can.
Checkout: List of Important Days in August 2024
FAQs on National Handloom Day 2024
Q1. What is National Handloom Day?
Ans – National Handloom Day is celebrated on August 7 to honour and promote India’s traditional handloom industry and rich heritage.
Q2. Why is August 7 celebrated as Handloom Day in India?
Ans – August 7 marks the day of the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, during which nationalists boycotted foreign goods and supported Indian handloom products.
Q3. What is the theme for National Handloom Day in 2024?
Ans – The theme for National Handloom Day 2024 has not been declared yet. Past themes have included sustainable fashion and acknowledging handloom products.
Q4. When and by whom was National Handloom Day started?
Ans – Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, launched National Handloom Day on the 7th of August, 2015.
Q5. Which city of India is recognised as the Handloom City of India?
Ans – Panipat of the Haryana state is also famous as the Handloom City of India.
Q6. What are the national symbols associated with handloom?
Ans – The prime emblem at the national level is the Handloom logo, which is a certification mark for a handloom silhouette.
