“VIRAASAT”, a fortnight long exhibition dedicated to celebrating 10^th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath on Saturday, 3^rd August, 2024. National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) is organising the handloom expo under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India which will conclude on 16^th August, 2024.

The series “VIRAASAT”- the “Exclusive Handloom Expo” is a continuation of celebrations held during previous year around the National Handloom Day. This year, the 10^th National Handloom Day will be celebrated on 7^th August. The event focuses on the glorious tradition of Handloom and Handicrafts. It also provides market connect to the handloom weavers and artisans.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm. Handloom products drawn from some of the exotic locations of India were on display and sale at the exhibition.

During the event, several activities will be organised at the Handloom Haat like 75 stalls for handloom weavers and artisan to directly retail the products, Curated theme display of exquisite handloom of India, Workshops on natural dyes, kasturi cotton, design and exports, Live loom demonstration, Folk dances of India, Delicious regional cuisines etc.

Hon’ble Prime Minister during Mann ki Baat (112^th episode) appreciated that the work of handloom artisans is spread across every corner of the country and the way handloom products have made their place in the hearts of people is very successful, tremendous,  and also urged to upload photos with local products on social media with the hashtag ‘#MyProductMyPride’.

Swadeshi Movement which was launched on 7th August, 1905 had encouraged indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers.  In 2015, the Government of India decided to commemorate the 7th of August every year as the National Handloom Day.

The first National Handloom Day was held on 7th August 2015 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Chennai.  On this day, the handloom weaving community is honoured and the contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of this country is highlighted. The resolve to protect our handloom heritage and to empower the handloom weavers and workers with greater opportunities is reaffirmed.  The Government endeavours to ensure sustainable development of the handloom sector thereby empowering our handloom weavers and workers financially and instilling pride in their exquisite craftsmanship.

The Handloom sector is a symbol of our country’s rich and varied cultural heritage. The handloom sector of India employs 35 lakh persons directly or indirectly which is next only to the agricultural sector in the country. The art of handloom weaving has traditional values attached to it and each region has exquisite varieties. The uniqueness of products such as Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Baluchari, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua and Tangaliya to name a few attracts customers across the globe with exclusives weaves, designs, and traditional motifs.

Government of India has launched the various schemes for Handloom for branding of high-quality products with zero defects and zero effect on the environment to encourage and to give a distinct identity to the products, apart from highlighting the uniqueness of the products.  It also serves a guarantee for the buyer that the product being purchased is genuinely handcrafted. All the exhibitors at the exhibition have been encouraged to display their exquisite products and thus aim to improve the market for Handloom products and earnings of the handloom community.

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