Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Special Handloom Expo and presided over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the National Handloom Development Corporation at Handloom Haat, Janpath, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s handloom ecosystem and rural livelihoods.
The event was attended by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; M Beena, Development Commissioner Handlooms; senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles and NHDC; along with weavers, cooperative societies and stakeholders from across the country.
The celebration marked 43 years of NHDC’s role in supporting handloom weavers through raw material supply, marketing assistance and institutional backing. Addressing the gathering, Giriraj Singh highlighted the handloom sector as a pillar of rural employment, sustainable production and cultural preservation. He stated that the sector not only sustains lakhs of weaver families but also embodies India’s civilisational heritage and indigenous craftsmanship.
Emphasising the need for stronger domestic manufacturing and market expansion, he urged citizens to actively support Swadeshi textiles. He outlined NHDC’s future roadmap focused on widening market access, improving value realisation for weavers and promoting innovation in design and branding. He appreciated the Corporation’s sustained efforts in empowering the weaving community and enhancing transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
The Foundation Day event was organised alongside the Special Handloom Expo, being held from February 21 to March 2, 2026. The expo aims to strengthen direct linkages between weavers and consumers, promote authentic handloom products and expand livelihood opportunities for artisans across India.
During the programme, Giriraj Singh released a multi lingual comic book designed to create awareness about the handloom sector, particularly among younger audiences. The publication presents the legacy, processes and cultural significance of handloom weaving in an accessible and engaging format, seeking to cultivate early appreciation for indigenous crafts.
An annual report presentation outlined NHDC’s key achievements over the past year, including outreach initiatives, marketing support programmes and measures aimed at economic empowerment of weavers. The report highlighted efforts to strengthen cooperative societies and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Distinguished weavers and artisans were felicitated for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and their enduring contribution to preserving India’s rich weaving traditions. The recognition ceremony underscored the Government’s emphasis on honouring skill and heritage.
Adding cultural depth to the celebration, a Paridhan Pradarshini showcased handloom garments representing diverse regional weaving traditions. The display highlighted the aesthetic excellence, design diversity and technical finesse embedded in India’s handwoven textiles.
The Minister also toured the exhibition area at Handloom Haat, which features 60 stalls comprising 48 handloom and 12 handicraft stalls. He interacted with weavers and exhibitors, appreciating the quality, innovation and range of products on display. The expo offers consumers an opportunity to purchase authentic handloom products directly from artisans and cooperatives.
The event reinforced NHDC’s continuing mandate to strengthen the handloom value chain, improve market integration and preserve traditional skills while aligning the sector with contemporary consumer demand. With sustained institutional support and expanding outreach, the handloom sector remains central to India’s vision of inclusive growth and cultural sustainability.
