Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon citizens to celebrate National Handloom Day with the same enthusiasm as Friendship Day, urging people to support India’s weaving community by purchasing handloom products and promoting them on social media.

In a video shared on his Instagram account on Thursday, the Prime Minister showcased a variety of handloom fabrics and encouraged people to become ambassadors for India’s rich textile heritage.

PM urges people to support weavers

Sharing the video, Modi invited citizens to post videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “Get Ready With Me (GRWM)” content, to increase awareness about India’s traditional weaving sector.

“Don’t forget to use #NationalHandloomDay,” he wrote, encouraging people to buy at least one handloom product, record a short video and share it online to inspire others to support artisan families.

The Prime Minister said greater public participation would help strengthen the livelihoods of weavers while promoting India’s traditional craftsmanship worldwide.

Links handloom movement to freedom struggle

Modi recalled that the Swadeshi Movement began on August 7, 1905, during India’s freedom struggle against British rule. He said the movement united people across the country and became a symbol of self-reliance.

Drawing a parallel with the present, he said supporting handloom products aligns with the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

“Our goal is to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat. For that, even the smallest and poorest families must become economically prosperous,” the Prime Minister said.

Promoting India’s traditional craftsmanship

The Prime Minister emphasised that purchasing handloom products directly benefits thousands of weaving families across the country while helping preserve India’s rich textile traditions.

He added that increased public support and social media participation would showcase the skill and craftsmanship of Indian weavers to a global audience, creating greater opportunities for the handloom sector.

National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement and recognise the contribution of India’s handloom industry to the nation’s economy, culture and heritage.