Textile Ministry is all set to organise 7th National Handloom Day on August 7. First National Handloom Day was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2015 in Chennai.

Key Points:

=> On the occasion, handloom weaving community will be honoured for their contribution in socio-economic development of India.

=> Handloom sector directly addresses women’s empowerment with 70 percent of all weavers and allied workers being female.

Handloom Craft Villages:

=> On the occasion, three Handloom Craft Villages will be set up at

• Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Mohpara Village of Golaghat district in Assam and
• Kanihama in Budgam, Srinagar

=> Craft villages will be set up by Ministry in collaboration with State governments.

Aim of the handloom Craft Villages

Handloom Craft Villages are being set up with the aim of providing additional attraction for domestic and international tourists. It seeks to promote well-known Handloom and Handicraft Products of the region.

Background

Handloom day is being observed in line with the Prime Minister’s call for people to buy Indian Handloom products and showcase their grandeur to commemorate 75th year of independence.

History of the day

The Handloom Day on August 7 holds special significance because, on the same day, swadeshi movement was launched in 1905. The day is observed to pay tribute to handloom weavers and artisan communities across India.

Handloom weave in India

Every state of India specializes in different handwoven weave. For Instance,

• Assam is known for Kamrup cotton and eri silk.
• Dimapur and Phek towns in Nagaland are known for backstrap-loom textiles.
• Andhra Pradesh is known for Venkatagiri fine cotton & silk weave, embellished with jamdani and zari.
• Odisha is known for Maniabandha weft ikat in fine cotton and silk.

By: ASRAF UDDIN AHMED