Context
The 11th National Handloom Day was celebrated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
About National Handloom Day
- The handloom sector performed a critical function in India’s freedom movement. The Swadeshi Movement, released on August 7, 1905, championed indigenous industries, mainly handlooms, as a form of financial resistance to colonial rule.
- In honour of this legacy, August 7 was declared National Handloom Day in 2015.
- It is widely known yearly and it recognises weavers’ contributions to the state and promotes the upkeep of India’s handloom heritage.
The Indian handloom industry
- India’s handloom area is understood for its wide range of fabrics, including cotton, khadi, jute, linen, and uncommon fibres like Himalayan nettle.
- It also produces different silk types like Tussar, Mashru, Mulberry, Eri, Muga and Ahimsa, at the side of woollen weaves like Pashmina, Shahtoosh and Cashmere.
- It is one of the world’s oldest cottage industries, showcases the country’s rich cultural history and skilled craftsmanship.
- 95% of the world’s handwoven comes from India.
- It is spread throughout villages and small cities and it relies on traditional hand-spinning, weaving, and printing strategies passed down by generations.
- Today, handloom weaving is India’s biggest cottage industry. According to the 4th All India Handloom Census (2019–20), about 35.22 lakh households are involved in this work.
- Around 72% of handloom weavers are women.
- In the financial year 2024-25, the US remained the largest destination, accounting for ₹331.56 crore worth of exports.
India’s Initiatives
- National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): It aims to promote the sustainable growth of handloom weavers in and outside acknowledged clusters by forming self-reliant and competitive units.
- Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): It aims to assist handloom weavers by ensuring the supply of exceptional yarn at less costly costs via the subsequent key goals and additives.
- MUDRA Loan: This scheme gives subsidised loans to weavers through banks at a low interest rate of 6 percent.
Source: The Indian Express
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