New Delhi, Aug 10: The National Handloom Day 2026 was celebrated by NABARD by organising an exhibition–cum–sale event during 5 to 7 August 2026 at its Head Office in Bandra-Kurla Complex,Mumbai.The 3-day event was organized to promote and preserve India’s rich handloom heritage, provide direct marketing opportunities to handloom artisans, strengthen rural livelihoods through enhanced market access, and facilitate business linkages between producers and buyers. The event received an encouraging response from visitors, financial institutions and recorded sales of over INR 67 lakh, reflecting growing consumer appreciation for authentic handloom products.
The exhibition showcased 15 unique weaving traditions from 14 states, including 9 GI products. Visitors had the opportunity to feel and purchase the rich diversity of Indian handloom products such as Paithani, Pochampally Ikat , Kota Doriya, Sambalpuri,Bhagalpur Silk ,Kantha Stitch, Kutch Shawls, Venkatagiri , Arani Silk, Balaramapuram, Mubarakpur Handloom, Ambala Handlooms, Bagh, Bhagaiya Silk and Uttariy. The artisans were provided with participation certificates and best 3 stalls were presented with trophies.
While inaugurating the programme on 5th August 2026, Dr. Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD, said,
“This exhibition is an amalgamation of rural enterprise and culture. Such initiatives help to create awareness among urban consumers about the rich weaving traditions of rural India and strengthen the rural-urban connect. They provide vital market facilitation opportunities, including access to export markets, for rural enterprises. Handloom is also a sustainable development model that contributes to climate resilience and environmentally responsible livelihoods. As the custodian of rural development, NABARD remains committed to reviving age-old traditions and supporting rural enterprises”.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, congratulated all participating artisans and organizations and emphasized that such exhibitions recognize the talent, craftsmanship and hard work of rural communities. He reaffirmed NABARD’s continued commitment towards creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening market access for rural producers across the country.
As part of the celebrations, NABARD organized a Buyer-Seller Meet on 6 August 2026, providing a platform for direct interaction between artisans and urban buyers. The session facilitated exchange of market insights, customer preferences and business requirements, while also helping participants establish potential long-term commercial linkages through direct networking and contact sharing.
To enhance artisans’ digital marketing capabilities, a special awareness session on ONDC and MyStore was conducted on 7 August 2026 by Ms. Ankita Kapur, Hippo Innovations Pvt. Ltd. The session covered key topics including digital onboarding, e-commerce opportunities, branding, social media marketing, catalogue preparation, inventory management, and online selling practices. Artisans actively participated in the discussions, shared challenges related to online marketing, and appreciated the opportunities offered through ONDC for expanding their market reach beyond geographical boundaries.
Padma Shri Dr. Rajanikant, GI Expert and Founder, Human Welfare Association, also interacted with the participating weavers and artisans. He provided valuable insights on the significance of GI registration, explained the benefits associated with GI products, and guided them on the process of obtaining Authorised User registration to enhance product authenticity, market recognition, and economic opportunities.
National Handloom Day, observed annually on 7 August, celebrates India’s rich handloom heritage and honours the skilled weavers who keep this centuries-old tradition alive. The day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous products and self-reliance. It also highlights the vital role of the handloom sector in preserving India’s cultural identity, generating employment in rural and semi-rural areas, empowering women, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for millions of artisan families.
NABARD has been actively promoting the handloom sector since its inception through a range of developmental and market-led interventions. With NABARD’s support, 43 handloom products have secured GI registration, while collectivization has been strengthened through the formation of 41 Rural Enterprise Producer Organizations in the handloom sector across the country. NABARD also facilitates participation of weavers in major regional and national exhibitions such as Mahalaxmi Saras, Surajkund International Crafts Mela and Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, enabling them to access wider markets and better livelihood opportunities. Recently, NABARD launched the “Emporium” initiative to provide a dedicated platform for displaying and marketing authentic rural products, helping artisan groups and rural enterprises connect with a broader customer base.