The Ministry of Textiles will celebrate the 12th National Handloom Day on 7 August 2026 with a national function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), New Delhi, to celebrate India's rich handloom heritage and recognise the contribution of the handloom weaving community to the nation's cultural and economic development

The Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. The function will also be attended by the Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles) and Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms).

The celebrations will be attended by Sant Kabir Handloom Awardees and National Handloom Awardees and their family members, handloom weavers from across the country, members of the Awards Selection Committee, eminent personalities associated with the handloom sector, senior Government officials, media representatives and other distinguished guests.

A major highlight of the celebrations will be the presentation of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and the National Handloom Awards for the year 2025. A total of 22 awards, comprising 03 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards, will be conferred upon outstanding handloom weavers for their outstanding craftsmanship, innovation and contribution to the preservation of India's handloom traditions.

The occasion will also witness the release of four commemorative postage stamps celebrating India's rich and diverse handloom weaving traditions.

Two publications—"Earth. Root. Thread – Aal Dyed Handloom Textiles of Central India" and the Handloom Awards Book 2025—will also be unveiled during the function.

An exhibition showcasing award-winning handloom products will be organised on the sidelines of the event. Visitors will also have an opportunity to witness live demonstrations of traditional Kani weaving and Wall Hanging weaving, providing a glimpse into the diversity and craftsmanship of India's handloom traditions.

In addition to the main function on 7^th August, 2026, other significant events planned around the National Handloom Day include exhibitions, conclaves (designer, IIHT) etc.

India's handloom sector continues to be one of the country's largest sources of sustainable rural employment, supporting the livelihoods of more than 35 lakh persons, with women constituting over 70 per cent of the workforce. Besides its economic significance, the sector remains a custodian of India's rich textile traditions and an important contributor to environmentally sustainable production practices.

National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905, which gave renewed impetus to indigenous industries and India's handloom sector. The observance recognises the enduring contribution of handloom weavers to the country's cultural heritage and socio-economic development.

Since its inception in 2015, National Handloom Day has served as an occasion to celebrate the artistry, skill and dedication of India's handloom weavers while reaffirming the Government's commitment to the preservation, promotion and sustainable development of the handloom sector.

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MAM/VN