New Delhi: India will celebrate the 12th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2026, with a national-level event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC) in New Delhi. The celebration will honour the country’s rich handloom heritage while recognising the contribution of handloom weavers to India’s cultural identity and rural economy.
President Droupadi Murmu will attend the event as the Chief Guest. The function will also be attended by Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles, award-winning weavers and representatives of the handloom sector from across the country.
The event comes as India’s handloom industry continues to support the livelihoods of more than 35 lakh people, with women accounting for over 70% of the workforce.
22 Master Weavers to Receive National Honours
The biggest attraction of this year’s celebration will be the presentation of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards for 2025.
A total of 22 awards will be presented, including:
- 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards
- 19 National Handloom Awards
The awards recognise outstanding craftsmanship, innovation and lifelong contributions to preserving India’s traditional weaving practices.
Awardees, their families, eminent personalities, government officials and members of the Awards Selection Committee will participate in the ceremony.
Special Stamps and Publications to Be Released
The celebration will also showcase India’s textile diversity through several new initiatives.
Four commemorative postage stamps highlighting India’s rich handloom traditions will be released during the event.
The government will also unveil two publications:
- Earth. Root. Thread – Aal Dyed Handloom Textiles of Central India
- Handloom Awards Book 2025
These publications aim to document India’s weaving traditions and recognise the artisans preserving centuries-old textile techniques.
Exhibition to Showcase India’s Textile Heritage
Visitors attending the event will get an opportunity to explore an exhibition featuring award-winning handloom products from across the country.
Live demonstrations of traditional Kani weaving and Wall Hanging weaving will also be organised, allowing visitors to witness the intricate craftsmanship behind India’s renowned handloom traditions.
In addition to the main event, the Ministry of Textiles has planned exhibitions, designer conclaves and activities involving Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs) to promote awareness and innovation in the sector.
Why India’s Handloom Sector Matters
The handloom sector remains one of India’s largest sources of sustainable rural employment.
According to the Ministry of Textiles:
- More than 35 lakh people depend on the handloom sector for their livelihood.
- Over 70% of the workforce comprises women.
- The sector promotes environmentally sustainable production while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Beyond employment, India’s handloom industry plays a significant role in protecting the country’s cultural heritage and supporting local artisan communities.
Why National Handloom Day Is Celebrated
National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted the use of indigenous products and strengthened India’s handloom industry during the freedom struggle.
Celebrated annually since 2015, the day honours the skill and dedication of India’s weavers while promoting sustainable growth of the handloom sector. It also highlights the important role of handloom in preserving cultural heritage, supporting rural livelihoods, and boosting employment under the Vocal for Local initiative.
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