Kangana Ranaut's Handloom Day Tribute: "This Is Part of Our Culture"

"This is a part of our culture...": Kangana Ranaut marks National Handloom Day with tribute to Indian Handloom tradition

New Delhi, August 7

In the self-recorded Instagram video, Ranaut began by greeting her followers and referring to the rainy weather in the national capital. "Namaste friends, look at the view of Delhi today. It's raining a lot here," she said.

Speaking about changing attitudes towards fashion, Ranaut reflected on her earlier preference for international brands. "We are the generation of fast food, fast life, and fast fashion. I have also been very fond of it since childhood. When I started films, whether it's my red carpet looks or going to the airport, or my journey in films, or some kind of ramp walk, I have always been a fan of it."

She added, "And my house has always been full of international brands. I don't know how, but it was always full of all kinds of brands. Even I used to think the same, that handloom was something we wore only sometimes to show our Indianness, or during weddings, or once or twice a year."

Ranaut said her perspective changed in 2014 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for self-reliance. "But in 2014, when the Honorable Prime Minister made us aware of self-reliance and self-respect, I also realized that the people we follow, whether they are Americans or Europeans, are proud of their own culture. But when it comes to showing our ethnicity, our culture, and our Indianness, I realized how much brainwashing there has been."

Showcasing the handloom attire she was wearing, she said, "Today I have worn this saree. It belongs to the Kutch region of Gujarat. And this is not just a piece of cloth. I believe that I am an artist, and I feel that art is our love for God."

Describing handloom as an extension of India's artistic and cultural identity, she added, "This is a part of our culture, and this generation also needs to move forward with it."

Ranaut concluded her message by urging people to support Indian handloom products. "So let's join Handloom. Happy Handloom Day to everyone. Most of all, the Prime Minister has appealed to all of us to buy something from Handloom. We will do that today," she said.

As part of the National Handloom Day celebrations, the Mandi MP recently visited the Weaves of India festival at CCIE, where she explored India's diverse textile traditions and interacted with master weavers and exhibitors representing different regions. The exhibition showcased traditional craftsmanship and the rich legacy of Indian handloom weaving.

Ranaut has long been associated with promoting Indian handloom textiles. Over the years, she has frequently chosen traditional sarees and regional weaves for public appearances, airport looks and official events.

Since becoming the Member of Parliament from Mandi, handloom sarees have become a regular feature of her parliamentary wardrobe.

National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to honour India's handloom weaving community, preserve traditional textile heritage and commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked National Handloom Day on Friday by celebrating India's rich handloom heritage and reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting the country's weavers and artisans, describing the sector as a key pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development, and an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister paid tribute to generations of artisans who have preserved India's traditional craftsmanship while encouraging citizens to promote the sector through social media.

"Today, on National Handloom Day, we celebrate India's rich and vibrant handloom heritage. We also salute the skill, creativity and dedication of our weavers and artisans. For generations, they have preserved and enriched our traditions. Our Government will keep supporting the handloom sector, which is an important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development and fulfilling the dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he wrote in a post on his official X handle.

PM Modi also invited people to share their favourite handloom products and the trending "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos using the hashtag #NationalHandloomDay, saying the initiative would help raise awareness and encourage communities associated with the traditional textile sector.

"Do share your favourite handloom products and GRWM videos using #NationalHandloomDay, which will encourage those associated with the sector," he added.

— ANI