National Handloom Day: Yogi Adityanath salutes artisans, recalls Swadeshi Movement's legacy
Lucknow, August 7
Marking National Handloom Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid tribute to the State's weaving community, describing handloom artisans as preservers of India's cultural heritage and emphasising their role in carrying forward traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Addressing a gathering in Lucknow after presenting the Sant Kabir State-Level Handloom Awards, the Chief Minister congratulated artisans across the State and linked the occasion to India's freedom movement.
"Today is National Handloom Day. I congratulate all the artisans across the state on Handloom Day. It was on this very day, August 7, 1905, that India's freedom struggle received a new direction," Adityanath said.
He recalled that August 7 commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement, which encouraged Indians to embrace indigenous products and reject foreign goods during the freedom struggle. According to the Chief Minister, the movement not only strengthened the spirit of self-reliance but also boosted confidence in India's traditional industries, particularly handloom weaving.
The Chief Minister said the handloom sector is more than an economic activity. It represents India's identity, craftsmanship and cultural continuity. He stated that every handwoven fabric carries the story of the artisan behind it and reflects centuries of skill, patience and creativity.
Uttar Pradesh is home to several renowned handloom traditions, including the Banarasi silk saree, Chikankari embroidery of Lucknow, Bhadohi carpets and handwoven textiles from Mau, Tanda and Mubarakpur. These crafts provide livelihoods to thousands of weaving families and contribute significantly to the state's economy and exports.
Adityanath said recognising artisans through state-level awards is an effort to encourage excellence while inspiring younger generations to preserve traditional crafts. He added that supporting weavers through government initiatives, better market access and modern technology is a priority.
National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched in 1905. The day celebrates India's rich handloom heritage and honours millions of weavers whose craftsmanship continues to keep traditional textile arts alive despite changing market trends and industrialisation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's nice that we are celebrating National Handloom Day but I wish the government would also focus on fair wages for the weavers and easier market access for them. The weavers in my village in Bhadohi work so hard but their middlemen take most of the profit. A step in the right direction but we need more concrete results.
This Swadeshi connection is so relevant even today! If we all start buying one handloom product a month, imagine the difference it would make to lakhs of weaver families. We are so busy with imported brands we forget what we are destroying. Jai Hind to all our artisans! 🇮🇳
I'm just back from a trip to Varanasi and was amazed by the Banarasi silk weavers. The craftsmanship is absolutely next level! The government's support to such heritage industries is very important. We should all do our bit to promote such traditional crafts. A beautiful gesture to celebrate the Swadeshi movement in this manner.
My grandmother used to tell me stories about how the Swadeshi movement was about more than just clothes - it was about pride in our country and our identity. Good to see the CM honouring artisans with Sant Kabir awards, but I hope we also hear about support for new designs and modern marketing for these crafts. Otherwise the young generation won't take interest. Let's not let our handloom heritage die out! 🧵
Our Banarasi sarees and Bhadohi carpets are famous worldwide. Proud to see more attention being given to our artisans. But honestly, these awards become
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