Weaves of India Festival Showcases Handloom Heritage

The Weaves of India Festival is being held from 24 July to 7 August 2026 in New Delhi. The festival is organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath.

Weaves of India Festival

The festival displays 116 heritage weaves from different regions of India. The showcased textiles include Banarasi, Jamdani, Kanchipuram Silk, and Sambalpuri Ikat, which are among the best-known handloom traditions in the country.

Handloom Sector in India

Handloom refers to cloth woven on a loom operated by hand, without the use of power-driven machinery. India has one of the largest handloom sectors in the world, and the sector is linked to rural employment, traditional skills, and regional textile identities.

National Handloom Day

The festival is part of the run-up to the 12th National Handloom Day, which is observed every year on 7 August. National Handloom Day was first observed in 2015 to mark the Swadeshi Movement launched in 1905.

Important Facts for Exams

• National Handloom Day is observed annually on 7 August in India.
• The Central Cottage Industries Emporium is located on Janpath in New Delhi.
• Banarasi, Jamdani, Kanchipuram Silk, and Sambalpuri Ikat are recognised handloom traditions of India.
• The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) functions under the Ministry of Textiles.

The handloom sector is associated with the Khadi and Village Industries tradition and with India’s textile heritage. The festival venue, CCIE, is a government retail outlet for handicrafts and handloom products.