National Handloom Day: Dharmendra Pradhan urges support for Indian artisans

Bhubaneswar, Aug 7: On National Handloom Day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan paid tribute to those dedicated to preserving India's rich handloom heritage and its timeless traditions. He encouraged people to support artisans by purchasing and wearing handloom products with pride.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Pradhan highlighted the significance of Indian handlooms: "From Sambalpuri Ikat to Patan Patola, from Kashmiri Kani to Kancheepuram Silk, Indian artisans craft not just fabrics but narratives of our ethos, values, heritage, creativity, and diversity. On National Handloom Day, we honor all who sustain this cherished tradition. Let us work to preserve our handloom legacy every day and empower artisans by embracing their creations."

Today marks the 10th National Handloom Day, a day set aside to recognize the contributions of handloom weavers to India's economy and culture. The observance began in 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first National Handloom Day in Chennai.

The celebration of National Handloom Day is rooted in the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which aimed to promote Indian-made products and boycott British goods.