NATIONAL
HANDLOOM DAY – ARTS & CULTURE
News: Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7 August wished the people on occasion of
National Handloom Day.
What’s
in the news?
- The handloom sector in India holds
significant cultural and economic importance.
- It is one of the largest
unorganized economic activities and a major source of livelihood,
especially in rural and semi-rural areas.
- The sector is rich with a variety of
weaving traditions that reflect India's cultural diversity.
- Inception: 2015, commemorating the
Swadeshi Movement of 1905
- Purpose: To promote handloom
products, support weavers, and celebrate India’s traditional textile
heritage
Historical
Significance
- Handloom weaving in India dates
back to the Indus Valley Civilization and has been an integral part of
Indian culture and heritage.
- Swadeshi Movement: This movement aims
at promoting self-reliance and reviving the domestic economy. It played an
influential role in the Indian freedom struggle, by promoting local
products and crafts to the Indian people.
- Symbol of Resistance: Handlooms
became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule, promoting Indian
crafts and empowering local artisans.
- Each region has developed its unique
style, such as Patola from Gujarat, Jamdani from Uttar Pradesh, and
Pochampally from Telangana.
- These handloom products are known for
their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and use of natural fibers like
cotton, silk, and wool.
Economic
Significance
- Employment Generation:
The handloom sector is the second-largest employment generator in India
after agriculture, providing jobs to over three million artisans,
including a substantial percentage from marginalized communities like SC,
ST, and OBC.
- Export Driver:
Indian handloom products are in demand globally, especially in developed
countries and the Middle East. The sector's exports have consistently
exceeded USD 300 million annually.
- Sustainability:
Handloom products are eco-friendly, made from organic materials, and
involve minimal use of power, making them a sustainable choice.
IMPORTANT STATISTICS
- Total
Handloom Workers: Approximately 35.22 lakh
- Total
Women Handloom Workers: Approximately 25.46 lakh (72.29% of total)
- Major
Handloom States: Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh
- Urban
vs Rural: Majority (90%) of handloom workers are in rural areas
- Education
Levels: 25% of weavers have not received any formal education
- Economic
Contribution: Exports of handloom products stood at US$ 266.88 million in
FY22
- Export
Trends
- Major
Products: Mats and mattings, carpets, rugs, bedsheets, and cushion covers.
- Export
Centers: Key centers include Karur, Panipat, Varanasi, and Kannur.
Export
Figures: In 2022-23, India's export of handloom products like mats and mattings
constituted 12.40% of the total handloom exports.
- National Handloom Day,
observed on August 7, commemorates the Swadeshi Movement's launch in 1905,
which played a crucial role in reviving the Indian handloom industry
during the independence struggle.
- The day highlights the contributions
of the handloom sector to India's heritage and the importance of
supporting weavers.
- In 2024, National Handloom Day was
marked by a special event, "Virasat," showcasing handloom
products from various regions, workshops on natural dyes, design, and
export, and cultural activities
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2042393