National Handloom Day | 07 Aug 2024
Recently, the 10th National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7th August 2024. This day has been celebrated since 2015 and marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7th August 1905, part of the independence struggle promoting domestic handloom products.
- Handloom fabrics are generally made with high quality natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, and wool which are resilient and last for a long time.
- Unique Handloom Products: Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua and Tangaliya.
- Government Initiatives:
- National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Supports handloom clusters with financial aid, marketing assistance, and awards. Plans to fund mega clusters with Rs. 30 crore for 10,000 looms.
- Market Access Initiative (MAI): Promotes exports through market research, international marketing, and support for small industries. Effective until March 2026.
- Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): Provides subsidised yarn, improves dyeing facilities, and offers freight reimbursement and price subsidies to handloom weavers, effective until 2025-26.
- The Handloom Export Promotion Council (HPEC) is a not-for-profit agency under the Ministry of Textiles that aims to boost exports of handloom products such as fabrics, home furnishings, and carpets.
