National Handloom Day 2023: Theme, History, Activity, and Significance 

National Handloom Day 2023 is being observed on 7th August 2023. It is a day when the country honours its rich tradition of handloom weaving and recognizes the contribution of weavers to the country’s cultural heritage. 

This day is also celebrated to commemorate the Swadeshi movement which was initiated in 1905. The handloom industry has played a significant role in India’s economy providing livelihoods for millions of weavers and artisans across the country.

On this day, various events and exhibitions are organized to showcase the beauty of handloom products and to encourage people to buy them. As we approach National Handloom Day 2023, it’s important to consider the significance of this important day and the role that handloom weavers play in preserving India’s indigenous culture.

National Handloom Day 2023 at a Glance 

Name of the day	National Handloom Day
Date	7th August 2023
Day	Monday
First celebrated in the year	2015
Established by	Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Frequency	Annual
Aim	To encourage indigenous industries including handloom weavers

Meaning and Significance of National Handloom Day 

National Handloom Day is a significant and meaningful day in India that is celebrated every year on August 7th. It is a tribute to the handloom weavers who have been the backbone of India’s textile industry for centuries. 

This year, in 2023, the significance of National Handloom Day has become even more because the world faces a growing environmental crisis and increasing concerns about sustainability. Handloom weaving is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to machine-made textiles. It not only helps in reducing carbon footprint but also supports the livelihoods of millions of small-scale handloom weavers across India.

The rise of industrialization and mass production has threatened the livelihoods of many handloom weavers, and many are forced to leave their craft and find other work. National Handloom Day 2023 is an opportunity to advocate for the preservation of this valuable tradition and to support the weavers who keep it alive.

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History of National Handloom Day 

This day was first celebrated in 2015, when the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, inaugurated the first National Handloom Day in Chennai. The date, 7^th August, was chosen to commemorate the Swadeshi movement that was started in 1905 in Calcutta by prominent leaders including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal. This movement advocated for the use of Indian-made goods, including handloom fabrics played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.

One of the earliest references to handloom weaving in India can be found in Rigveda, which dates back to around 1500 BCE. The text describes the weaving of cloth from cotton, silk, and wool, as well as the dyeing of fabrics using natural pigments. 

Over the centuries, the handloom industry continued to grow and evolve, with weavers developing new techniques, designs, and materials.

Celebrate National Handloom Day

Here are some ways by which you can celebrate National Handloom Day in 2023. 

Buy Handloom Products	One of the best ways to support handloom weavers is to buy handloom products. Buy sarees, clothes, bedspreads, tablecloths, and other handloom items and show your support for the industry.
Wear Handloom Clothing	On this day, wear and encourage others to wear handloom clothes. This will help promote handloom weaving and the artisans who make them.
Exhibitions	Organize exhibitions of handloom products from various parts of the country. This will help in promoting handloom products and the artisans who make them.
Social Media Campaign	Use social media to create awareness of the importance of handloom weaving. Share pictures and stories of artisans and their handloom products. Use hashtags like #NationalHandloomDay, #SupportHandloom, and #HandloomWeaving.
Visit a weaving centre	Visit a weaving centre to see the process of making handloom products. It can be a great opportunity to learn about the industry and to meet the people who are involved in it.

National Handloom Day 2023 Theme 

The theme for National Handloom Day 2023 has not been announced yet. However, the previous theme was “Handloom, an Indian legacy”. This theme highlighted the rich heritage of handloom and its significance in the Indian economy.

Indian Government Schemes to support small industries and handloom workers

The government of India has been launching many schemes to support small-scale industries including handloom workers. Here are some of the major schemes. 

1. Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana

This scheme provides insurance coverage to handloom weavers in the event of accidents or natural disasters.

2. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

This scheme provides financial assistance to small businesses in the form of loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs. The aim is to support the growth and development of these businesses.

3. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)

The aim of this program is to provide financial assistance to handloom weavers for the development of their skills, upgrading their technology, and marketing their products. 

4. Skill India

This initiative aims to provide skill training to the youth of the country including those in the handloom and small industries sector.

5. Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)

This scheme is to provide collateral-free credit to micro and small enterprises for their working capital and term loans.  

Facts about the Handloom Industry in India

The handloom industry in India is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. Here are five facts about this industry:

1. India is home to the largest number of handloom weavers in the world with over 4.3 million people engaged in this sector.
2. Over 70% of all weavers in India are female. 
3. The handloom industry in India has a history of many weaving techniques and designs passed down through generations.
4. Handloom products are eco-friendly and sustainable as they are made using natural fibres and dyes.
5. The handloom industry in India is highly decentralized, with weavers working in small clusters across the country. This has resulted in a diverse range of handloom products, each with its unique style and design.

Frequently Asked Questions