11th National Handloom Day to be celebrated on 7th August at Bharat Mandapam

New Delhi, August 6 — The Ministry of Textiles is set to commemorate the 11th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2025, celebrating the vibrant legacy and contribution of India’s handloom sector. The event will be graced by the President of India as the Chief Guest.

Also attending the ceremony will be the Union Textile Minister, Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, the Secretary (Textiles), and the Development Commissioner (Handlooms). Alongside them, foreign buyers, exporters, senior government officials, and eminent personalities from the industry are expected to participate. Around 650 weavers from across the country will also be present.

Honouring Handloom Excellence

The occasion will feature the presentation of the Sant Kabir Handloom Award and the National Handloom Awards, recognizing exceptional craftsmanship and contributions to the sector.

The Sant Kabir Handloom Award is conferred upon weavers who have made significant and sustained contributions to the handloom industry, particularly in preserving weaving traditions and supporting community welfare. Awardees receive:

• Cash prize of ₹3.5 lakh

• Gold coin (mounted)

• Tamrapatra (certificate)

• Shawl

• Certificate of Recognition

The National Handloom Award acknowledges weavers for excellence in design, innovation, and dedication to the craft. Awardees receive:

• Cash prize of ₹2 lakh

• Tamrapatra

• Shawl

• Certificate

This year, the awards will be presented to six women weavers (one receiving the Sant Kabir award and five receiving National Handloom Awards) and one Divyang weaver.

Key Highlights of the Celebration

• Exclusive exhibition featuring collections by awardee weavers

• Unveiling of a Coffee Table Book by NIFT Mumbai

• Facilitation desk to provide information on schemes supporting the handloom sector

A Legacy of Self-Reliance

National Handloom Day marks the anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement launched on August 7, 1905, which encouraged the use of indigenous products and uplifted the handloom sector. The Government of India officially designated the date as National Handloom Day in 2015, with the inaugural celebration held in Chennai by the Prime Minister.

With over 35 lakh people employed—more than 70% of whom are women—the handloom sector remains a cornerstone of India’s rural economy, symbolizing sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and eco-friendly production.

National Handloom Day continues to honour the skilled hands and artistic spirit that make Indian handlooms a cherished and enduring legacy.