Bhubaneswar: The fortnight-long “VIRAASAT” exhibition, dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day, commenced at Handloom Haat in Janpath on Saturday. Organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the exhibition will run until 16th August 2024.
This year, the 10th National Handloom Day will be celebrated on 7th August, and “VIRAASAT” aims to honor the glorious tradition of handloom and handicrafts while providing market access to weavers and artisans.
The exhibition is open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm, featuring handloom products from various exotic locations in India. Activities include 75 stalls for weavers and artisans, curated theme displays, workshops on natural dyes and kasturi cotton, live loom demonstrations, folk dances, and regional cuisines.
In a recent Mann ki Baat episode, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the widespread impact of handloom artisans and encouraged people to share photos with local products using the hashtag #MyProductMyPride.
The Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7th August 1905, emphasized indigenous industries and handloom weaving. In 2015, the Government of India designated 7th August as National Handloom Day, with the first celebration led by Prime Minister Modi in Chennai. This day honors the handloom weaving community and their contribution to the socio-economic development of India, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering weavers and preserving handloom heritage.
The handloom sector, employing 35 lakh people, is a symbol of India’s cultural heritage, with unique products like Banarasi, Jamdani, and Tussar Silk attracting global customers. The Government of India has launched various schemes to brand high-quality handloom products, ensuring they are genuinely handcrafted and environmentally friendly. Exhibitors at “VIRAASAT” display their exquisite products, aiming to improve the market for handloom products and boost the earnings of the handloom community.
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