Madhuri Dixit Graces National Handloom Day Celebration in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: As India marks the 11th National Handloom Day, Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit joined state-level celebrations in Bhubaneswar, lending her voice to the rich legacy of Indian handlooms and the skilled artisans behind them.

The event, held at Janata Maidan, featured the Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage (EKTA) and was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Also present were Co-operation and Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta and other dignitaries.

National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, a key moment in India’s freedom struggle that promoted indigenous products and handwoven textiles in opposition to colonial imports. The Government of India officially designated the day in 2015 to honor the contribution of handloom weavers to the nation’s economy and culture.

This year’s event was not only a tribute to the past but also a step toward the future, with innovative initiatives like the Handloom Hackathon 2025 aiming to bring technological advancement and creative solutions to the sector.

The presence of Madhuri Dixit added glamour and inspiration to the celebration, reaffirming public support for India’s handloom traditions and the artisans who continue to uphold them.