On August 7, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu honored 22 exemplary artisans during the National Handloom Day celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC). This annual event recognizes the invaluable contributions of weavers and artisans towards preserving India’s diverse handloom traditions.
The Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards acknowledge not only outstanding craftsmanship but also innovation and dedicated efforts in the handloom sector. Artisans from across India showcased a remarkable variety of weaving techniques, highlighting cultural diversity through textiles that include Kanchipuram silk and Banarasi Jamdani, along with Tangaliya weaving from Gujarat and Lepcha textiles from Sikkim.
Among the honorees, three artisans received the distinguished Sant Kabir Handloom Award, recognized as the highest civilian honor in this sector. Ram Meher from Odisha was celebrated for his exquisite Bichitpar Khadi Saree. Runima Chetiya Choudhury from Assam earned accolades for her stunning Muga Silk Saree, while Shah Muhammad Ansari from Uttar Pradesh was honored for his craftsmanship with the rare Zarbaft Shewatambari Awadh Jamdhani Saree.
Nineteen other awardees under different categories of the National Handloom Awards demonstrated excellence across weaving, design development, and social entrepreneurship. Among them, artisans who produce Kanchipuram Silk Sarees from Tamil Nadu and Ikat Sarees from Telangana showcased their innovative approaches to traditional techniques. Additionally, Maheshwari Sarees from Madhya Pradesh and Kani Shawls from Jammu and Kashmir garnered recognition for their meticulous craftsmanship.
Several awards acknowledged excellence beyond weaving. Gopinathan MV of Tamil Nadu and Mantu Basak from West Bengal were commended for their significant contributions to design development, while N. Venkateswara Rao from Andhra Pradesh stood out for his efforts in marketing handloom products. The CH-31 Kovilvazhi Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society in Tamil Nadu received accolades for their impactful ventures. Furthermore, Marvella Associates from Assam claimed recognition in the Start-up Ventures/Producer Company category, highlighting the intersection of innovation and tradition.
The awardees hailed from 13 states and Union Territories, including Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, showcasing the extensive range of India’s regional textile craftsmanship—from luxurious silks to intricate tribal fabrics.
National Handloom Day, celebrated annually to honor the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, serves as a poignant reminder of the handloom sector’s significance in preserving cultural heritage and supporting rural employment. The commitment to recognizing artisans helps safeguard traditional techniques amidst the challenge of modernization. By celebrating these skilled craftsmen and women, the event reinforces India’s dedication to cherishing and nurturing one of its oldest craft traditions.
