National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous products and the boycott of foreign goods. In 2026, the 12th National Handloom Day was celebrated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.
The 2026 celebrations highlighted innovation, sustainability and technology in the handloom sector. 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards were presented to outstanding weavers. Four commemorative postage stamps and publications highlighting India’s handloom traditions were also released.
The handloom sector supports over 35 lakh weavers and allied workers, with 72% being women, making it an important source of rural employment and women-led economic empowerment. Traditional textiles such as Banarasi silk, Kanjeevaram, Maheshwari, Kota Doria and Khadi reflect India’s rich cultural heritage.
Key Facts for Exams:
- National Handloom Day: 7 August
- Associated event: Swadeshi Movement, 1905
- First observed: 2015
- 2026 edition: 12th
- Chief Guest: President Droupadi Murmu
- Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi
- Sant Kabir Handloom Awards: 3
- National Handloom Awards: 19
- Weavers & allied workers: 35+ lakh
- Women: 72% of the workforce
