- Observed on: 7 August every year.
- First celebrated: 7 August 2015.
- Purpose: To honour India’s handloom weavers, recognise their contribution to the economy, preserve India’s rich handloom heritage, and promote the handloom sector.
- Why 7 August? It commemorates the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched on 7 August 1905 at the Calcutta Town Hall against the partition of Bengal.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles.
- Objective: Promote ‘Vocal for Local’, sustainable textiles, employment generation, and preservation of traditional weaving practices.
- India’s handloom sector: It is the largest cottage industry in the country and supports the livelihoods of over 35 lakh weavers and allied workers, around 72% of whom are women.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question (English)
Q. National Handloom Day is observed every year on:
A. 15 August
B. 7 August
C. 2 October
D. 31 October
Answer: B
Explanation
National Handloom Day is celebrated every year on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7 August 1905, and to recognise the contribution of India’s handloom weavers.
