“VIRAASAT” exhibition celebrates National Handloom Day with rich craftsmanship
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu : Bureau Chief
New Delhi: The “VIRAASAT” exhibition, a two-week celebration of the 10th National Handloom Day, commenced on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Handloom Haat in Janpath. Organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the expo will run until August 16, 2024.
Celebrating handloom tradition
The “VIRAASAT” exhibition continues the tradition of showcasing India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage, with a focus on promoting handloom weavers and artisans. The event highlights the importance of the handloom sector in preserving cultural heritage while providing a market platform for handloom products.
Event highlights
The event is open to the public daily from 11 am to 8 pm, featuring 75 stalls with a diverse range of handloom products from exotic locations across India, including Banarasi, Jamdani, Ikkat, and more. Curated displays of exquisite handloom textiles. Workshops on natural dyes, kasturi cotton, design, and exports. Live loom demonstrations and folk dances. Regional cuisines highlighting the culinary traditions of different states.
Government and public engagement
The Prime Minister praised the handloom artisans for their contributions and success, urging the public to share photos of local handloom products on social media with the hashtag ‘#MyProductMyPride’.
Historical context and significance
The National Handloom Day, celebrated annually on August 7, commemorates the Swadeshi Movement’s role in promoting indigenous industries and handloom weavers. The first National Handloom Day was observed on August 7, 2015, and has since become a day to honour the contributions of the handloom weaving community and reaffirm the commitment to preserving this heritage.
Impact and employment
The handloom sector is a vital part of India’s cultural heritage and employs approximately 35 lakh people directly or indirectly, making it a significant industry next only to agriculture. The sector is renowned for its variety and traditional values, with products such as Patola, Tussar Silk, and Phulkari drawing global attention.
Government initiatives
The Government of India has introduced various schemes to brand high-quality handloom products with a focus on zero defects and environmental sustainability. These initiatives aim to enhance the market for handloom products and provide a distinct identity for artisans’ work.
“VIRAASAT” provides an important platform for showcasing the skill and creativity of India’s handloom weavers and aims to improve market opportunities and earnings for the handloom community.
