More than 4.3 million individuals are either directly or indirectly involved with the handloom industry. (Photo credit: textilevaluechain.in)
New Delhi: National Handloom Day is celebrated on August 7 to honour the Swadeshi Movement and to recognise the rich fabrics and vibrant weaves produced in our nation. India will celebrate its eighth National Handloom Day this year to honour the nation's weavers and highlight the legacy of the country's handloom industry. The purpose of the day is to improve public awareness and the contribution of the general public to the socioeconomic growth of weavers. Unpowered looms or handlooms are used to weave cloth. Pit or frame looms used for hand weaving are typically found in weavers' homes. The warp (length) and the weft (width) of two sets of yarn are interlaced to create a fabric during weaving (width). The loom is the piece of machinery that allows for this interlacing.
The Swadeshi Movement, which was established on August 7, 1905, promoted indigenous businesses, especially handloom weavers. Therefore, the Indian government chose to declare every August 7 as National Handloom Day. On August 7, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed the first National Handloom Day in Chennai.
In rural and semi-rural areas of our country, the handloom industry is a significant source of livelihood and a representation of the diverse and rich cultural history of our nation. With more than 70 per cent of all weavers and related employees being women, it is also a sector that specifically addresses the empowerment of women. It is rooted in nature, using eco-friendly production techniques that require little capital and energy, and gives designers the freedom to develop to keep up with rapidly shifting consumer tastes and fashion trends.
On this day, the government pay tribute to the handloom community and emphasise the role this industry has played in the socioeconomic advancement of our nation. The National Handloom Day highlights the current issues facing this industry in addition to celebrating the handweaver community. Governments need to emphasise the importance of the handloom sector by addressing issues including inadequate infrastructure, ageing looms, and restricted access to important markets.
Theme of this year's National Handloom Day is yet to be announced.
On this special occasion, Indians can do any of the following things:
Attend handloom fairs being organised in your city or neighbourhood.
One can also do some contributor work or donate some money to a local weaver and help them obtain raw material and market access.
People who have an account on social media can spread awareness on National Handloom Day. It will help other citizens understand why handloom products are better than factory items.
The National Centre for Heritage Textiles (NCHT), Janpath, New Delhi, will host an exhibition in honour of the 8th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2022, which is coordinated nationally by the Ministry of Textiles.
28 Weavers' Service Centres across various States and 16 campuses of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) are celebrating National Handloom Day.
The handloom sector is rural India's second-largest employer after agriculture.
More than 4.3 million individuals are either directly or indirectly involved with it.
The industry is supported by around 2.4 million looms of various types.
The handloom sector accounts for over 15 per cent of the nation's total textile production.
Ninety-five per cent of the hand-woven fabric produced worldwide comes from India.
In Financial Year 2022 (until January 2022), exports of handloom products from India have valued at Rs 1,693.05 crore (US$ 211.96 million).
"I do regard spinning and weaving as a necessary part of any national system of education." ― Mahatma Gandhi
"The handloom weaving is in a dying condition. Everyone admits that whatever may be the future of the mill industry, the handlooms ought not to be allowed to perish." ― Mahatma Gandhi
"I believe that where there is pure and active love for the poor there is God also. I see God in every thread that I draw on the spinning wheel." ― Mahatma Gandhi
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