Union Ministers Celebrate 10th National Handloom Day at "VIRAASAT" Exhibition

The exhibition, marking the 10th National Handloom Day, showcases a wide array of handloom products and celebrates India’s rich handloom heritage.

Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh and Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita visited “VIRAASAT,” a fortnight-long exhibition held at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, from August 3rd to August 16th, 2024. The exhibition, marking the 10th National Handloom Day, showcases a wide array of handloom products and celebrates India’s rich handloom heritage.

During their visit, Shri Giriraj Singh engaged with handloom weavers and artisans, highlighting the government's efforts to enhance the textile value chain for better income opportunities. He emphasized that India, with its largest handloom community globally, focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, and zero-carbon and zero-water footprints in the handloom industry.

Shri Pabitra Margherita noted the growing market demand for handloom fabrics dyed with natural dyes. He pointed out that the use of natural dyes not only adds value to the products but also boosts the earnings of handloom weavers.

The ministers also supported the “EkPedMaakeNaam” campaign by planting trees at the exhibition site and distributed TIRANGA flags to weavers and artisans under the “HarGharTiranga” campaign.

The exhibition, open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm, features handloom products from various regions of India, including Kosa, Chanderi, Madhubani, Mangalgiri, Mekhla Chador, Moirang Phee, and Ikat. It includes 75 stalls for handloom weavers and artisans, 7 stalls by Apex Societies and Boards, and curated theme displays of exquisite handlooms. Additional activities include workshops on natural dyes, Kasturi cotton, design, and exports, a special health camp for weavers and artisans, live loom demonstrations, folk dances, and regional cuisines.

The handloom sector in India, employing approximately 35 lakh people directly or indirectly, is a vital part of the economy. The government has launched various schemes to promote high-quality handloom products with zero defects and minimal environmental impact. The exhibition aims to improve the market for handloom products and enhance the earnings of the handloom community.

“VIRAASAT,” a continuation of last year’s celebrations around National Handloom Day, focuses on the tradition of handloom and handicrafts, providing a market connect for handloom weavers and artisans.