National Handloom Day 2026: President Murmu Honours Weavers as PM Modi Urges Citizens to Promote Indian Handlooms
National Handloom Day 2026 Celebrated Across India
India is celebrating the 12th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2026, with a renewed focus on the country’s rich weaving heritage and the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
The national celebration was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu addressed weavers and industry stakeholders and presented national awards recognising excellence in handloom craftsmanship.
The day celebrates India’s centuries-old weaving traditions while highlighting the role of handlooms in employment, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods and the country’s cultural identity.
President Murmu Highlights Handloom’s Role in India’s Heritage
Addressing the National Handloom Day programme, President Droupadi Murmu said handloom has been an important part of India’s cultural and civilisational journey for thousands of years.
She highlighted the sector’s contribution not only to livelihoods but also to women’s empowerment, art, culture, employment and environmental consciousness.
According to the President, more than 35 lakh people are engaged in India’s handloom sector, with women making up a significant majority of the workforce. She also linked handloom traditions with India’s freedom struggle and the broader idea of self-reliance.
22 National Awards Presented to Handloom Weavers
One of the major highlights of this year’s celebration was the presentation of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards for 2025.
A total of 22 awards were presented, including:
- 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards
- 19 National Handloom Awards
The awards recognise weavers for their craftsmanship, innovation and contribution to preserving India’s traditional weaving heritage.
Four commemorative postage stamps celebrating India’s diverse handloom traditions were also released during the event.
PM Modi Appeals to Citizens to Support Indian Handlooms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also marked National Handloom Day by urging citizens to support India’s weavers and showcase the country’s handloom diversity.
He encouraged people to purchase handloom products and share videos featuring them on social media. The appeal also taps into the popular “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) format, encouraging people to showcase Indian handwoven clothing and textiles to wider audiences.
The idea is to give traditional Indian textiles greater visibility among younger consumers and international audiences while creating stronger demand for products made by Indian weavers.
Why Is National Handloom Day Celebrated on August 7?
National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7.
The date commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which encouraged Indians to use indigenous products and promote self-reliance.
The Government of India established National Handloom Day in 2015, giving India’s weaving community a dedicated annual platform for recognition and promotion.
India’s Handloom Sector Supports Millions
The official Fourth All India Handloom Census 2019-20 recorded approximately 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and allied workers across the country.
Of these, around 25.46 lakh were women, accounting for more than 72% of the workforce involved in weaving and allied activities.
The census also recorded approximately 31.45 lakh handloom households and 28.20 lakh handlooms, with nearly nine out of every ten looms located in rural areas.
These figures underline the importance of handloom not only as a cultural tradition but also as an important source of rural employment and household income.
Handloom Meets Modern Design and Digital Platforms
While handloom remains deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship, the sector is increasingly adapting to changing consumer preferences.
Government initiatives, contemporary designs, digital platforms and wider national and international showcases are helping Indian handloom products reach new audiences.
The official government backgrounder notes that traditional weaves are increasingly finding new expression through modern design, digital platforms and global markets, helping connect rural artisans with contemporary consumers.
A Celebration of India’s Living Textile Heritage
National Handloom Day is more than an annual celebration of textiles. It is an opportunity to recognise the skill, patience and generations of knowledge behind every handwoven product.
From traditional sarees and shawls to regional fabrics and contemporary clothing, India’s handloom traditions reflect the country’s extraordinary cultural diversity.
This year’s celebrations have placed that heritage firmly in the spotlight, with President Murmu honouring outstanding weavers and Prime Minister Modi calling on citizens to actively support and promote Indian handloom products.
Conclusion
National Handloom Day 2026 has brought India’s weavers and their centuries-old craftsmanship into national focus. The celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan highlighted the sector’s contribution to culture, employment and women’s empowerment, while the presentation of 22 national awards recognised outstanding artisans.
PM Modi’s appeal to citizens to buy handloom products and share them online also reflects an effort to connect India’s traditional crafts with younger and global audiences.
As India looks toward expanding its handloom presence in domestic and international markets, supporting local weavers can play an important role in ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is National Handloom Day celebrated?
National Handloom Day is celebrated every year on August 7 in India.
2. Why is August 7 celebrated as National Handloom Day?
August 7 commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which promoted indigenous products and self-reliance.
3. Who attended the National Handloom Day 2026 celebrations?
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi.
4. How many awards were presented on National Handloom Day 2026?
A total of 22 awards were presented: three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards for 2025.
5. What did PM Modi appeal to citizens to do?
PM Modi urged citizens to purchase Indian handloom products and share videos showcasing them, helping promote India’s handloom heritage among wider audiences.