Bhubaneswar, August 7 — In a vibrant celebration of India’s rich textile tradition and Odisha’s exceptional handloom heritage, the state marked the 11th National Handloom Day with a grand event inaugurated at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit graced the occasion as the special guest, bringing national attention to the importance of indigenous crafts and weavers.
The highlight of the state-level event was the launch of EKTA (Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage), a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening Odisha’s handloom sector through market access, skill development, financial support, and cooperative growth. EKTA was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in the presence of Pradeep Bal Samanta, Minister for Co-operation and Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts, Government of Odisha.
A Tribute to Tradition and a Vision for the Future
Speaking at the event, Madhuri Dixit expressed deep appreciation for Odisha’s craftsmanship and underscored the need to preserve traditional textile practices in a modern, digital-driven world. “Odisha’s handloom tradition is not just an artform—it is a legacy that deserves national and global recognition,” she said, lauding the state’s efforts through platforms like EKTA.
The three-day EKTA celebration, held from August 7 to 9, promises to be a dynamic blend of exhibition, learning, and cultural expression. Featuring over 60 curated stalls, the exhibition will showcase diverse handwoven creations and traditional weaving techniques from Odisha’s weaving clusters and artisans from eight other states.
More than 1,500 weavers are participating in the event, conducting live weaving demonstrations, offering insights into the craftsmanship that defines India’s handloom identity.
Handloom Hackathon 2025 & State Awards
In a move that signals a progressive vision for the sector, the state also announced the Handloom Hackathon 2025, a unique initiative aimed at driving innovation, sustainability, and design thinking in traditional weaving practices.
The event also features a fellowship ceremony to honor winners of the State Handloom Award 2023–24, recognizing excellence and dedication among Odisha’s artisan community.
Cultural Performances and Knowledge Sharing
The celebration goes beyond exhibits, offering a complete cultural experience with Odissi, Sambalpuri folk, and contemporary dance performances scheduled each evening. Visitors will also be treated to fashion showcases, a laser show, and immersive installations that present Odisha’s textiles in new-age formats.
A dedicated food court, children’s play zone, and seven knowledge-sharing sessions will enrich the experience for both professionals and the general public, promoting deeper engagement with the handloom ecosystem.
Honoring National Handloom Day
Observed every year on August 7, National Handloom Day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, a historic campaign that promoted indigenous products, especially handwoven textiles, as a stand against colonial imports. Recognizing this legacy, the Government of India officially designated the date as National Handloom Day in 2015.
This year, Odisha’s celebration not only paid tribute to its deep-rooted weaving traditions but also looked forward with optimism—positioning handloom as both a cultural treasure and a modern economic force.
