National Handloom Day 2021: Whether it is the colourful “Bandhani” textile from Gujarat or the intricate silk weave on “Kanjeevaram” sarees from Tamil Nadu, India is home to a variety of vibrant handloom weaves. The handloom sector is the second largest employer in rural India and acts as a testimony to India's rich and diverse culture.
But the skills of the handloom weavers and karigars will soon be lost and forgotten due to the prevalence and growth of power looms. In an attempt to create awareness, and to protect the handmade and the handwoven, the Union Government of India declared 7th August 2015 as the National Handloom Day.
But why the 7th of August? This day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched in Calcutta on August 7th in 1905 to boycott all foreign products and revive domestic produce.
Unfortunately, in the current day situation due to several factors, like poor infrastructure, inaccessibility to funds and prime locations with consumers, the handloom weavers are now slowly leaving the loom. This means that efforts need to be made on all levels of society to protect and promote handmade fabric and art.
The handloom sector is the most significant part of the cultural heritage of India and it cannot be lost in the pages of time. The need of the hour is to take steps to help revive and restore the handloom industry.