5th National Handloom Day 2019: A day to cherish our handloom weavers

Hyderabad: National Handloom Day falls on August 7 every year, and is celebrated across the country honouring the handloom weavers and their contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. It is aimed to increase the income of handloom workers who weave the cloth by using natural fibres, such as cotton, silk and wool.

The first National Handloom Day was celebrated on August 7, 2015, and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the event at the centenary of Madras University in Chennai. However, the day was chosen in commemoration of Swadeshi Movement, which took place in 1905 in Calcutta Town hall in order to revive domestic products.

Significance of the day

The day is launched to give a boost to the handloom industry, which plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the country, and also helps us to stay connected to our roots.

The government has implement various programmes for the welfare of the artisans and weavers and also promote handlooms across the country on the day.

Celebrations on the day

Observing its rich tradition in handlooms, the handloom day is mainly celebrated in Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. Over 50% of total populationof the weavers  reside in Eastern and North Eastern Regions. Of which, women are of highest percentage. The main objective to celebrate the day in Odisha is to empower women and girls.

The celebrations also take place in National capital where Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani attend the function marking the 5th National Handloom Day.

Activities performed on National Handloom Day

Distribution of Pehchan Cards and Yarn Passbooks

Distribution of MUDRA loan

Distribution of lighting units and certificates for construction of work sheds.

The day will be celebrated at Weavers' Service Centres in different States.

Workshops will be created to impart information about work opportunities to weavers and education to their children.

Celebrations in Telangana

Telangana has also been celebrating the day with gaiety, along with the rest of the states. Talented handloom workers are feted on the day, and the government pledges its support to the weavers. K Taraka Rama Rao, working president of TRS, has expressed his support to the weavers through his tweet. He stated that the cause is close to his heart.