Newsinc24 Team 
India is observing National Handloom Day 2026 on Friday, honoring the country’s rich weaving heritage and the contribution of millions of handloom weavers and allied workers who continue to preserve traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern markets and technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on National Handloom Day, paying tribute to India’s weavers and artisans. He urged citizens to support the country’s handloom products and said the sector represents India’s rich cultural heritage, creativity and self-reliance.
Today, on National Handloom Day, we celebrate India’s rich and vibrant handloom heritage. We also salute the skill, creativity and dedication of our weavers and artisans. For generations, they have preserved and enriched our traditions.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2026
Our Government will keep supporting the…
According to the Ministry of Textiles, the Fourth All India Handloom Census (2019-20) recorded 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and allied workers, with women accounting for 25.46 lakh, or more than 72 per cent of the workforce. The census also recorded 28.20 lakh handlooms, nearly 90 per cent of which are located in rural areas.National Handloom Day has been observed annually since 2015 and commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905, which promoted indigenous products and self-reliance.
Government support for weavers
The government has undertaken several measures to improve the livelihoods, productivity and market access of handloom workers. Under the National Handloom Development Programme, 357 handloom clusters have been sanctioned between 2021-22 and June 2026, while 200 Handloom Producer Companies have been established.The e-Pehchan portal, launched in January 2025, provides digital identity cards to handloom workers and facilitates access to government schemes. By July 2026, around 84,000 additional workers had been approved for e-Pehchan cards.
Marketing support has also expanded, with more than 960 handloom expos, craft fairs and other events organised since 2021. Under the Weaver MUDRA Scheme, around 40,000 loans worth more than Rs280 crore were sanctioned between 2021-22 and June 2026.
Handlooms embrace innovation and global markets
The handloom sector is increasingly combining traditional skills with contemporary design, digital platforms and new technologies. Initiatives such as Vishwa Sutra, Breathing Threads and Handloom Sarees in Motion have showcased Indian weaves through modern fashion and cultural platforms.The recently launched Handloom Hackathon 2026 is also seeking innovative solutions in areas including design, sustainability, digital technology and market access.India’s handloom exports stood at around Rs1,330.96 crore in 2025-26, with the UAE, US, France, UK and Spain among the major destinations. The government is promoting the Handloom Mark, India Handloom Brand and GI certification to strengthen authenticity and consumer confidence.With women forming the majority of its workforce and millions of rural households depending on it, the handloom sector continues to serve as both a livelihood generator and a vital link to India’s cultural heritage.
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