- First Observed: The Government of India started celebrating National Handloom Day in 2015 to highlight the economic and cultural importance of the handloom sector.
- Why 7 August? The date was chosen because the Swadeshi Movement was launched on 7 August 1905, encouraging Indians to boycott foreign goods and support indigenous products.
- Organising Ministry: The day is observed under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, which also implements schemes for the welfare, training and market support of handloom workers.
- Main Objective: The observance aims to promote Indian handloom products, preserve traditional weaving skills, improve market access for artisans and encourage consumers to support locally made textiles.
- Significance: The handloom sector provides livelihood to around 35.22 lakh weavers and allied workers and plays an important role in rural employment, women’s participation, cultural preservation and sustainable textile production.
Question:
Q1. National Handloom Day is observed on which date?a) 5 August
b) 7 August
c) 9 August
d) 15 August
Answer: b) National Handloom Day is observed on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905.
