The National Handloom Day in India is celebrated every year on August 7 to honor the country’s handloom weaving industry. This annual event plays a significant role in acknowledging the efforts, contribution, and importance of weavers and their weaving skills. For the year 2019, the 5th celebration was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a region known for its rich tradition of handlooms. The occasion was not just about lauding the industry but was also meant to empower the women and girls of this region.
Why 7th August?
The date, August 7, was chosen as National Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi movement, which was initiated on this day in 1905 at Calcutta Town Hall. This movement, based on Gandhian ideology, served as a protest against the partition of Bengal by the British Government. It emphasized creating and supporting domestic products and production processes to reduce dependence on foreign goods. The same ideology is carried forward today to promote the use and value of domestic products, in this case, handlooms.
Bhubaneswar as the Venue
The Eastern and North Eastern regions of India are home to over 50% of the total weaver population in the country, making it the ideal place for honoring this craft. In 2019, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was selected as the venue to celebrate the 5th National Handloom Day because of its rich tradition of handlooms. This area constitutes a significant chunk of the handloom industry, and this event gave it the recognition it deserves.
Empowering Women and Girls
The celebration of the National Handloom Day goes beyond recognizing the skill and hard work of the weavers. It also aims to uplift and empower women and girls involved in the industry. Women, especially, are the backbone of this sector and contribute significantly to preserving and promoting this traditional art form.
Handloom Facts
The handloom industry forms a substantial part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Let’s look at some facts.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| First National Handloom Day | The first National Handloom Day was inaugurated on August 7, 2015. |
| Weavers Population | Over 50% of India’s total weaver population resides in Eastern and North Eastern regions. |
| Swadeshi movement | The Swadeshi movement that highlights the significance of home-grown goods started on August 7, 1905. |
Contributing to Socio-Economic Development
The National Handloom Day seeks to highlight the considerable contributions of the handloom industry to the socio-economic development of the country. With its roots deeply embedded in the Indian culture, this industry plays a vital role in job creation, women empowerment, and preserving traditional art forms. It’s not just about weaving clothes but also about weaving a strong economic fabric for the nation.
