NABARD celebrated National Handloom Day 2026 by organising an exhibition-cum-sale event earlier this August in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, and recorded sales of over Rs 67 lakh amid growing appreciation for Indian handloom.
The three-day event, organised from August 5 to 7, was organised to promote and preserve India’s rich handloom heritage, provide direct marketing opportunities to handloom artisans, strengthen rural livelihoods through enhanced market access, and facilitate business linkages between producers and buyers. The event received an encouraging response from visitors, financial institutions and, reflecting growing consumer appreciation for authentic handloom products.
The exhibition showcased 15 unique weaving traditions from 14 states, including 9 GI products showcasing the rich diversity of Indian handloom products such as Paithani (Maharashtra), Pochampally Ikat (Telangana), Kota Doriya (Rajasthan), Sambalpuri (Odisha), Bhagalpur Silk (Bihar), Kantha Stitch (West Bengal), Kutch Shawls (Gujarat), Venkatagiri (Andhra Pradesh), Arani Silk (Tamil Nadu), Balaramapuram (Kerala), Mubarakpur Handloom (Uttar Pradesh), Ambala Handlooms (Haryana), Bagh (Madhya Pradesh), Bhagaiya Silk (Jharkhand) and Uttariya (Karnataka). The artisans were provided with participation certificates and best three stalls were presented with trophies.
While inaugurating the programme on August 5, Dr. Shaji Krishnan V., chairman, NABARD, said, “This exhibition is an amalgamation of rural enterprise and culture. Such initiatives help to create awareness among urban consumers about the rich weaving traditions of rural India and strengthen the rural-urban connect. They provide vital market facilitation opportunities, including access to export markets, for rural enterprises. Handloom is also a sustainable development model that contributes to climate resilience and environmentally responsible livelihoods. As the custodian of rural development, NABARD remains committed to reviving age-old traditions and supporting rural enterprises”.
National Handloom Day, observed annually on August 7, celebrates India’s rich handloom heritage and honours the skilled weavers who keep this centuries-old tradition alive. The day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous products and self-reliance. It also highlights the vital role of the handloom sector in preserving India’s cultural identity, generating employment in rural and semi-rural areas, empowering women, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for millions of artisan families across the country.
NABARD exhibition-cum-sale records Rs 67 lakh in handloom sales; check details
