National Handloom Day – 7th August 2022 | History | Download Images, Quotes, Wishes, Pictures, and Status

On August 7, 2016, the second 'National Handloom Day was celebrated across the country. To promote awareness of the handloom sector and the country's socio-economic contribution in general, this day is observed.

Significantly, on 7 August 1905, the Swadeshi Movement was formally launched at a public meeting in the Town Hall of Kolkata.

The movement involved a revitalization of domestic products and production processes.

In memory of this movement, on 29 July 2015, the Government of India announced to celebrate 7 August every year as 'National Handloom Day. Bal Gangadhar Tilak's swadeshi doctrine was the basis for the Swadeshi Movement, which began on the same date in 1905.

An annual celebration of handloom weaving takes place on this day.

The objective of This Day:

Sensibilize the general public about the handloom industry and its contribution to socio-economic growth.
To safeguard India's handloom tradition and provide more opportunities for handloom weavers and laborers.
By empowering handloom workers financially and inspiring pride in their fine artistry, we can ensure the long-term viability of the handloom industry.

Significance:

India's handloom industry is a symbol of its rich cultural history.
The handloom and handicraft industry has long promoted India's soft power. Examples of this include saree diplomacy' and 'khadi diplomacy'
Indians find work in the textile and handloom industries, which are the second-largest source of employment after agriculture.

There is over 70 percent of women involved in the handloom industry in the country, making it a vital source of income and a key to women's empowerment.

Challenges:

Neither handcraft nor handloom exhibitions or markets exist due to the Covid-19-induced lockdowns, social distancing standards, or economic instability.
Along with raw materials and underutilized inventories, it has impacted incomes and the entire supply chain engaged in hand-looming and handcrafting.
A recent Assam flood, for example, had a considerable impact on the lives of artisans, particularly in the silk clusters in the state.
Also, the sector is threatened by cheap imitations and automated looms, which endanger the survival of original arts and talents.
It has been announced that the All India Handicrafts Board will be abolished, terminating the only formal platform where weavers and craftspeople could express themselves openly and advise the government on policy and spending.

Suggestions:

To communicate, educate, and engage with not only the global audience but also with the People of India, it is necessary to promote the delicacy of Indian weavers globally.
Masks and other medical equipment that uses textiles, such as bedsheets, etc., should be encouraged to be made by textile clusters, contributing to the medical infrastructure.
Vocal for Local and Make in India are examples of government programs that need to be popularised within the country in order to increase local demand within the country as well as abroad.
As part of rewards, corporate engagement programs, and business gifts, corporate organizations must purchase products from artisans, facilitating direct producer-consumer interaction and ensuring craftsmen receive proper returns on their products.