The Ministry of Textiles on Friday launched the “Know Your Weaves” campaign, a week-long initiative aimed at promoting awareness about India’s diverse handloom weaving traditions, in the run-up to National Handloom Day on August 7.
The campaign, which will run from August 1 to 7 at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy in the national capital, was inaugurated by Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao. The event was attended by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr M Beena, as well as principals, professors and students from various schools and colleges.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rao said the initiative is part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to preserve and celebrate India’s rich textile heritage. She said the campaign is intended to create awareness and instill pride in the country’s diverse handloom traditions and urged young people to visit the exhibition and experience the country’s rich weaving legacy first-hand.
The “Know Your Weaves” campaign showcases a variety of handloom crafts and textiles from across India. Traditional weaves such as Banarasi, Chanderi, Pochampally Ikat, Kanjeevaram and Bhujodi are among those featured in live demonstrations and displays, bringing together master artisans, designers, students and textile enthusiasts on a common platform.
The campaign includes exhibitions of traditional weaving techniques, daily workshops on natural dyes and loom practices, educational sessions and quiz competitions. It also features storytelling installations, using multimedia content, films, archives and personal narratives to highlight the evolution of India’s handloom traditions. Outreach programmes targeting schools and colleges are being conducted through guided tours, competitions and interactive sessions to encourage youth engagement with India’s textile legacy.
The campaign is part of the broader “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” programme, commemorating 75 years of India’s independence.