Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, along with Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, visited the “VIRAASAT” exhibition at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, on August 12, 2024. The exhibition, which runs from August 3 to August 16, is dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day and showcases the rich heritage of India’s handloom industry.
During the visit, Shri Giriraj Singh interacted with handloom weavers and artisans, highlighting the Government’s efforts to improve the textile value chain and create better income opportunities for the handloom community. He noted that India boasts the largest handloom community globally, which focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency. “The handloom industry produces zero carbon footprint and does not consume any energy, making it a zero-water footprint sector,” he emphasized.
Shri Pabitra Margherita, while observing the live application of natural dyes in handloom fabrics, remarked on the growing demand for natural dyes in the fashion industry. He stressed that using natural dyes adds value to handloom products and enhances the earnings of weavers.
As part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, the Ministers planted saplings at Handloom Haat and distributed TIRANGA flags to weavers and artisans under the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. The exhibition, open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm, features a wide range of handloom products from various regions of India, including Kosa, Chanderi, Madhubani, Mangalgiri, Mekhla Chador, Moirang Phee, and Ikat, available for display and sale.
The event includes several activities, such as 75 stalls for handloom weavers and artisans to directly retail their products, curated theme displays of exquisite Indian handlooms, workshops on natural dyes, Kasturi cotton, design and exports, a special health camp for weavers and artisans, live loom demonstrations, folk dances, and regional cuisine.
India’s handloom sector, which employs 35 lakh people, is second only to agriculture in terms of employment. The Government has launched various schemes to brand high-quality handloom products with zero defects and zero environmental impact, providing a distinct identity and guaranteeing the authenticity of handcrafted products.
The “VIRAASAT” exhibition continues the celebrations from previous years around National Handloom Day, with the 10th edition celebrated on August 7, 2024. The event not only honors the glorious tradition of handloom and handicrafts but also aims to connect weavers and artisans with the market, improving their earnings and livelihoods.
