“VIRAASAT” Exhibition Celebrates 10th National Handloom Day at Handloom Haat, New Delhi
The vibrant and intricate world of Indian handlooms takes center stage with the launch of “VIRAASAT,” a fortnight-long exhibition dedicated to the 10th National Handloom Day.
Hosted at Handloom Haat in Janpath, this grand showcase opened its doors to the public on Saturday, August 3, 2024, and will run until August 16, 2024.
Organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, “VIRAASAT” continues the tradition of celebrating the National Handloom Day, which will be observed on August 7 this year.
This year’s event emphasizes the rich heritage of handloom and handicrafts while facilitating market connections for handloom weavers and artisans.
The exhibition will be open daily from 11 am to 8 pm, offering a diverse range of handloom products sourced from some of the most exotic locations across India.
Attendees can explore and purchase unique textiles from a wide array of regions, reflecting India’s rich cultural tapestry.
Highlights of “VIRAASAT” include:
- 75 Stalls: Featuring handloom weavers and artisans directly showcasing and selling their products.
- Curated Theme Displays: Exquisite handloom textiles from various parts of India.
- Workshops: Covering topics such as natural dyes, kasturi cotton, design, and exports.
- Live Loom Demonstrations: Offering a glimpse into the weaving process.
- Folk Dances: Showcasing traditional dance forms from different regions.
- Regional Cuisines: Delicious local foods for a complete cultural experience.
The exhibition also aligns with the Prime Minister’s call to action during Mann ki Baat (112th episode), where he lauded the impact of handloom artisans and encouraged people to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag ‘#MyProductMyPride.’
The significance of August 7, 1905, when the Swadeshi Movement was launched, is recalled through this celebration. This movement championed indigenous industries, especially handloom weaving, and led to the establishment of National Handloom Day in 2015.
The inaugural National Handloom Day was celebrated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Chennai, highlighting the handloom sector’s contribution to socio-economic development and reaffirming the commitment to preserve and promote this heritage.
With the handloom sector employing around 3.5 million people, it stands as a testament to India’s diverse cultural heritage.
Products like Banarasi, Jamdani, Patola, and Phulkari, among others, are celebrated for their unique weaves, designs, and motifs that captivate buyers globally.
The Government of India continues to support the sector through various schemes aimed at branding high-quality, eco-friendly products and ensuring genuine craftsmanship.
“VIRAASAT” serves as a platform to elevate the market for handloom products and enhance the earnings of the handloom community.
For further details, visit Handloom Haat, Janpath, or check the official website of NHDC.
