'VIRAASAT' Exhibition Celebrates 10th National Handloom Day in New Delhi

New Delhi- "VIRAASAT," a fortnight-long exhibition marking the 10th National Handloom Day, has officially commenced at Handloom Haat, Janpath. Organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the event began on August 3 and will run until August 16.

This year’s “VIRAASAT” continues the tradition of celebrating National Handloom Day with a focus on India's rich handloom heritage. The exhibition coincides with National Handloom Day, celebrated annually on August 7. The event showcases a diverse range of handloom and handicraft products from across India, providing a platform for weavers and artisans to connect with the market.

Visitors can explore the exhibition from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The display features handloom products from various exotic regions of India, available for purchase. Attendees can also participate in a variety of activities, including:

• 75 Stalls: Featuring handloom weavers and artisans selling their creations.

• Curated Exhibits: Showcasing the finest handloom textiles from across India.

• Workshops: Covering natural dyes, kasturi cotton, design techniques, and export opportunities.

• Live Loom Demonstrations: Offering insights into traditional weaving methods.

• Folk Performances: Celebrating India’s rich dance heritage.

• Regional Cuisine: Providing a taste of diverse Indian culinary traditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the significance of handloom artisans in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, praising their work and urging people to share photos of local products on social media with the hashtag #MyProductMyPride.

The Swadeshi Movement, initiated on August 7, 1905, played a crucial role in promoting indigenous industries, especially handloom weaving.

In 2015, the Government of India established August 7 as National Handloom Day to honor this legacy and the handloom sector’s contribution to India's socio-economic development. The inaugural National Handloom Day was celebrated in Chennai, with Prime Minister Modi reaffirming the commitment to preserve handloom traditions and support weavers.