National Handloom Day: Odisha a state rich in cultural heritage is renowned for its exquisite handloom traditions. The state’s handloom industry is a testament to the skill and creativity of its weavers who have preserved and passed down their craft through generations. Odisha’s handloom products such as Sambalpuri, Ikat, Bomkai, Maniabandha and Berhampuri sarees are celebrated for their unique designs and vibrant colors worldwide. These textiles are not just pieces of fabric but are woven stories of the region’s history, culture and traditions.
Today is 7th August 2024 10th National Handloom Day is being celebrated throughout Odisha today. This is an opportunity for every citizen for respecting our age old weaving culture & tradition and supporting the weaver artisans who have carried the profession from generation to generation with their exceptional skill and creative ability.
The celebration of National Handloom Day in Odisha is not just about showcasing beautiful textiles but also about recognising the hard work and dedication of the weavers. On this day in 1905, the Swadeshi Movement was formally launched at a massive meeting in the Calcutta Town Hall. To commemorate the beginning of Swadeshi Movement in 1905 on 7th August, the day is celebrated as National Handloom Day all over the country. The main objective behind this commemoration is to generate awareness on the importance of Handloom industry and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country in general.
The Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha celebrated the State Level National Handloom Day at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar today i.e. on 07.08.2024 at 12.00 PM. Dr Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary, HT&H Department graced the function and inaugurated the occasion. Additional Secretary, HT&H Department Shri Bikramaditya Barik, Joint Secretary, HT&H Department Smt. Ananya Das, Director, Textiles and Handlooms, Shri Shovan Krishna Sahu, Managing Director of boyanika Smt. Pranati Chhotray, Joint Director of Textiles, Shri Debjit Nandy, Managing Director of Utkalika Smt Kalyani Pattnaik, Additional Director, Sericulture, Shri Surya Narayan Patnaik and Special Officer of Directorate of Textiles office, Bhubaneswar Smt. Indira Behera were also a part of this august gathering.
Addressing the gathering Dr. Padhee emphasised on the significance of handloom weaving in Odisha’s cultural heritage and economy. He highlighted the contributions of handloom weavers to Odisha’s rich tradition and the broader Indian textile Industry. He also highlighted Odisha Government’s Commitment to supporting and promoting the handloom sector through various Initiatives, including financial old, skill development programmes and marketing support.
During the event, following 4 weavers were felicitated for their successful engagement in Weaving of handloom products.
During the celebration of the 10th State Level National Handloom Day, 4 distinguished Handloom weavers were felicitated for their successful engagement in weaving of handloom products. Shri Suresh Kumar Rout was recognised for his work with Dhalapathar parada and fabric in Khordha district. Shri Sambhunatha Senapati was celebrated for his expertise in Phuta Saree and Gamuchha from Mayurbhanj district. Smt. Bhagabati Sisa was acknowledged for her craftsmanship in Keranga fabric in Koraput district, while Shri Jalandhar Meher was honored for his creation of Habaspuri sarees and fabric in Kalahandi district. Each of these weavers have made a significant impact on the handloom industry, reflecting the rich heritage and skill of their respective regions.
We are confident that functions like these will certainly encourage the weavers of our state to keep up their noble profession and inspire the young generation for the trade.
