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Key Points

President Droupadi Murmu will grace the 11th National Handloom Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam. The event honors weavers with prestigious awards like the Sant Kabir Handloom Award. An exhibition will showcase award-winning weaves and government schemes for artisans. The day commemorates India’s handloom heritage and its role in rural empowerment.

Key Points: President Murmu to Inaugurate National Handloom Day 2025 at Bharat Mandapam

  • President Murmu to present Sant Kabir & National Handloom Awards
  • 650 weavers from across India attending the event
  • Six women weavers among this year’s awardees
  • Exhibition features award-winning weaves and govt schemes for artisans
2 min read

National Handloom Day 2025 at Bharat Mandapam today; President Murmu will be chief guest

President Murmu honors weavers at National Handloom Day 2025, presenting Sant Kabir Awards and showcasing India's handloom heritage at Bharat Mandapam.

"The handloom sector continues to be a pillar of India’s rural economy and cultural identity. – Ministry of Textiles"

New Delhi, August 7

the Ministry of Textiles will celebrate India's vibrant handloom sector on the occasion of the 11th National Handloom Day on Thursday.

According to a release from the Ministry of Textiles, President, Droupadi Murmu, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles) and M Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) will be attending the function.

Besides them, foreign buyers, eminent personalities, exporters, Senior Government Officers, etc., will attend the above function. Approximately 650 weavers from across the country will be attending the function.

The Ministry will present the Sant Kabir Handloom Award and the National Handloom Awards to recognise exceptional contributions in handloom weaving and innovation. The Sant Kabir Award, considered the highest honour in the sector, includes a cash prize of Rs 3.5 lakh, a gold coin (mounted), tamrapatra (plaque), shawl, and certificate of recognition.

The National Handloom Award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, along with a tamrapatra, shawl, and certificate, and aims to honour craftsmanship, dedication, and creativity in the sector.

Among this year's awardees are six women weavers, one receiving the prestigious Sant Kabir Award and five the National Handloom Awards, as well as one Divyang weaver recognised for their contribution.

The event will also feature an exclusive exhibition showcasing award-winning weaves, the unveiling of a coffee table book by NIFT Mumbai, and a facilitation desk on various government schemes for the handloom sector.

According to the release, the Handloom sector continues to be a pillar of India's rural economy and cultural identity. Employing over 35 lakh people, with more than 70% of them women, the sector is a beacon of sustainable development, women empowerment, and eco-friendly production.

The Swadeshi Movement launched on 7th August 1905 had encouraged indigenous industries and, in particular, handloom weavers. In 2015, Government declared the 7th of August as the National Handloom Day, commemorating the momentous occasion.

The first National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7th August 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai. On this day, the handloom weaving community was honoured, underlining the contribution of this sector in India's socio-economic development.

National Handloom Day is a celebration of the skilled hands and creative spirit that make Indian handlooms a timeless legacy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the event is great, I wish more young people would take up handloom weaving. The new generation thinks it's not 'cool' enough. We need better marketing and modern designs to attract youth to this traditional art form.
A
Ananya R
The inclusion of Divyang weavers in awards is heartwarming! ♥️ True example of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Our handlooms tell stories of India's diversity - every region has its unique patterns and techniques. Must visit the exhibition!
V
Vikram M
Good initiative but government should do more to protect weavers from powerloom competition. Many authentic weavers are struggling to make ends meet while fake machine-made products are sold as 'handloom'. Need stricter enforcement!
K
Kavya N
Just bought a beautiful Banarasi silk saree for my wedding! Nothing compares to the feel of real handloom fabrics. The craftsmanship is amazing - each piece takes weeks to make. We must preserve this heritage for future generations.
S
Siddharth J
The Sant Kabir Award is well deserved but ₹3.5 lakh seems too less for lifetime achievement. Our weavers create magic with their hands - the prize money should be at least ₹10 lakh to make real difference in their lives.

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