New Delhi | August 1, 2026
The Ministry of Textiles will celebrate the 12th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2026, with a national event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC) in New Delhi to honor India’s weaving community and handloom heritage.
Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, accompanied by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, and Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena. The ceremony will feature the conferment of 22 awards for 2025 (3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards), the release of 4 commemorative postage stamps, and the unveiling of two key publications, including “Earth. Root. Thread – Aal Dyed Handloom Textiles of Central India”.
Event Summary & Sector Snapshot
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Event: 12th National Handloom Day Celebrations
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Date & Venue: August 7, 2026 | Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), New Delhi
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Chief Guest: Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India
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Key Leadership Present: Shri Giriraj Singh (Union Minister of Textiles), Shri Pabitra Margherita (MoS Textiles), Smt. Neelam Shami Rao (Secretary, Textiles), Dr. M. Beena (Development Commissioner, Handlooms)
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Awards Conferred: 22 total (3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards, 19 National Handloom Awards for 2025)
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Key Releases: 4 Commemorative Postage Stamps; Publications (“Earth. Root. Thread…” & Handloom Awards Book 2025)
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Special Highlights: Awardees exhibition; Live demonstrations of Kani and Wall Hanging weaving
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Historical Context: Commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905
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Sector Footprint: Provides sustainable rural employment to 35+ lakh individuals (70%+ women workforce)
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Industry Domain: Textiles & Cottage Industry, Public Policy, Rural Employment & Cultural Governance
