Bhubaneswar: “The weavers of Odisha are the soul of our cultural heritage. Our handloom is not just a piece of cloth, it is a legacy. Odisha handlooms weave heritage,” said Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta at a press conference held today at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar. The event was organized to announce the schedule of the upcoming State-Level National Handloom Day 2025 celebrations and the ‘EKTA’ (Exhibition cum Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage) programme.
The National Handloom Day will be officially observed on August 7, 2025. Adding a touch of glamour to the event, Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit Nene will attend as a special guest.
Celebrations will continue with the ‘EKTA’ programme on August 8 and 9, aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing within the textile sector. The highlight of the festivities will be the Mega Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition, scheduled from August 7 to 13 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar.
The week-long exhibition will showcase Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions through 60 vibrant stalls, a food court, and a play zone for children. Over 1,500 weavers from across Odisha and artisans from more than eight states will participate, presenting a diverse tapestry of regional weaves and crafts. Live demonstrations of weaving, a State Handloom Awards (2023–24) felicitation ceremony, and seven knowledge-sharing sessions will also be held during the exhibition.
From August 7 to 9, cultural evenings will celebrate Odisha’s performing arts, including Odissi, Sambalpuri folk dances, contemporary dance, fashion shows, and a laser show, offering visitors a blend of tradition and modernity.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Director of Handlooms and Textiles Premchandra Choudhary, Additional Secretary Bikramaditya Barik, and other senior officials attended the press conference.
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