India’s handloom sector has a long history of cultural development. It has been passed down from generation to generation, whether they are intricate designs or traditional patterns and prints. National Handloom Day is observed on August 7 every year to celebrate the indigenous handloom weaving industries. Notably, this is the 10th Handloom Day in India. The day was first celebrated in 2015 with an event in Chennai by the Government of India to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905.The Swadeshi Movement sought to oppose British rule and encourage the ideas of self-help and self-reliance in rural India. The movement aimed to boycott foreign goods and rely on products made in India.The aim is to protect and preserve our rich handloom heritage while instilling pride in the exquisite craftsmanship. India’ handloom industry employs 35 lakh people directly or indirectly, making it the second largest employer in the nation after agriculture. Customers from all over the world are drawn to the distinctive weaves, designs, and traditional motifs of items like Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Baluchari, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua, and Tangaliya, to mention a few.To commemorate the 10th National Handloom Day, the government has organised a fortnight-long exhibition called ‘VIRAASAT’ at the Handloom Haat, New Delhi from August 3 to August 16. The event is organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd.