VIRAASAT HANDLOOM EXHIBITION

NEWS: “VIRAASAT”, an exhibition to celebrate 10th National Handloom Day begins at Handloom Haat, New Delhi

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Handloom products from some exotic locations of India on display and sale at the exhibition

 

VIRAASAT Exhibition

  • Event: VIRAASAT, celebrating 10th National Handloom Day.
  • Location: Handloom Haat, Janpath.
  • Dates: 3rd August to 16th August 2024.
  • Organizer: National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
  • Timing: Open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm.

 

Key Highlights

  • Theme: Focus on Handloom and Handicrafts tradition.
  • Objective: Market connect for handloom weavers and artisans.
  • Displays: Handloom products from exotic locations in India.
  • Activities:
    • 75 stalls for direct retail by handloom weavers and artisans.
    • Curated theme displays of exquisite Indian handlooms.
    • Workshops on natural dyes, kasturi cotton, design, and exports.
    • Live loom demonstrations.
    • Folk dances and regional cuisines.

 

Prime Minister's Appreciation

  • Mann ki Baat (112th episode): Highlighted the significance of handloom artisans.
  • Social Media Initiative: Urged to upload photos with local products using hashtag #MyProductMyPride.

 

Historical Context

  • Swadeshi Movement: Launched on 7th August 1905, promoting indigenous industries, especially handloom weavers.
  • National Handloom Day: First celebrated on 7th August 2015, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai.

 

Importance of Handloom Sector

  • Employment: Employs 35 lakh people, second only to agriculture.
  • Cultural Heritage: Symbol of rich and varied cultural heritage.
  • Product Diversity: Notable products include Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua, Tangaliya.

 

Government Initiatives

  • Schemes for Handloom:
    • Branding of high-quality products with zero defects and zero environmental effect.
    • Ensuring products are genuinely handcrafted.
  • Exhibitor Encouragement: Display of exquisite products to improve market and earnings for the handloom community.

 Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2041230