Why India and its weavers needed a National Handloom Day
Why the need for National Handloom Day? When seen as instruments of soft diplomacy; handlooms and crafts empower cottage industries and showcase the multiple identities present in a country.
ritten by Swasti Pachauri | New Delhi | Updated: August 7, 2018 2:04:58 pm
For a land as rich in textiles and weaves – unique to each town, you travel through even in a state – and for a country that commemorates every event, the introduction of National Handloom Day was much-awaited. Launched in 2015, August 7 was chosen as National Handloom Day as it was the day that the Swadeshi Movement was started in 1905. The Swadeshi Movement celebrated our indigenous fabrics, weavers and the country’s artisans. In keeping with this, every year artisans and weavers are presented with ‘Sant Kabir’ awards to promote their handiwork and Indian crafts.
Symbols of Identity
Handlooms aren’t just important for aesthetic and cultural reasons, they’re also integral to political and diplomatic engagements, as they are symbols of a nation’s identity, culture and inclusive development. For instance, Indira Gandhi was known to possess an exquisite, yet simple collection of weaves and shawls. When seen as instruments of soft diplomacy; handlooms and crafts empower cottage industries and showcase the multiple identities present in a country.
Source of Article :- The Indian Express
Read Full Story At :- https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/fashion/why-india-and-its-weavers-needed-a-national-handloom-day-5295651/ (more…)
