The National Handloom Day is observed annually on 7th August to honour the handloom weavers in the country and also highlight India’s handloom industry. Background The Union Government had declared 7th of August as the National Handloom Day in July 2015 with the objective of generating awareness about the importance of the handloom industry to the socio economic development of the country. August 7 was chosen as the National Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement which was launched on this day in 1905 in Calcutta Town Hall to protest against the partition of Bengal by the British Government. The movement had aimed at reviving domestic products and production processes. India's handloom sector continues to be one of the country's largest sources of sustainable rural employment, supporting the livelihoods of more than 35 lakh persons, with women constituting over 70 per cent of the workforce. Besides its economic significance, the sector remains a custodian of India's rich textile traditions and an important contributor to environmentally sustainable production practices. The first National Handloom Day was held on 7th August 2015. On this day, the handloom weaving community is honoured and the contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of this country is highlighted. The resolve to protect our handloom heritage and to empower the handloom weavers and workers with greater opportunities is reaffirmed.The Government endeavours to ensure sustainable development of the handloom sector thereby empowering our handloom weavers and workers financially and instilling pride in their exquisite craftsmanship. National Handloom Day 2026 The 12th National Handloom Day is being celebrated on August 7, 2026 across the country under the coordination of the Ministry of Textiles. The prime objective of holding the National Handloom Day is to highlight the contribution of handloom to the socioeconomic development of the country and increase income of the weavers. National Handloom Day is being observed at 28 Weavers’ Service Centres in different States and 16 National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Campuses. National Handloom awards Handloom Awards are conferred upon Handloom Weavers, Designers, Handloom organizations and Marketing Agencies for showing excellence in the handloom sector on the National Handloom day. Objectives Recognize extraordinary skills and contribution of handloom weavers, designers, organizations and Marketing Agencies towards promotion, development and preservation of weaving tradition and welfare of the weaving community. Recognize talent and workmanship of young weavers, be role models and inspire others to emulate them. Reward individuals/ organizations to adopt innovative measures for marketing of handloom products and recognize their achievements. About the award The presentation of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and the National Handloom Awards for the year 2025 would be held as part of the celebrations. A total of 22 awards, comprising 03 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards, will be conferred upon outstanding handloom weavers for their outstanding craftsmanship, innovation and contribution to the preservation of India's handloom traditions. Sant Kabir Handloom Award : This award recognizes outstanding handloom weavers who have significantly contributed to the sector's growth. Eligible weavers may be recipients of national or state awards, national merit certificates, or recognized for extraordinary skills and contributions to promoting and preserving weaving traditions, community welfare, and sector development. Prize Contents: Cash Prize: Rs. 3.5 lakh Gold Coin (mounted) Tamrapatra (certificate) Shawl Certificate of Recognition National Handloom Award: The National Handloom Award celebrates weavers with exceptional craftsmanship, dedication, and innovation. It aims to motivate weavers to continue their outstanding work and inspire others in the sector. Prize Contents: Cash Prize: Rs. 2.00 lakh Tamrapatra Shawl Certificate To view the list of awardees, click here. Source : Ministry of Textiles Schemes related to Handlooms Compendium of Handloom Schemes Handloom Clusters Yarn Supply Scheme/Mill Gate Price Scheme India Handloom Brand National Handloom Development Programme