Guwahati to host National Handloom Day celebrations

Guwahati will host the National Handloom Day celebrations on August 7 for the first time with handloom products by artisans from the seven north eastern states all coming for display. The day will also see a fashion show. The development is part of the new focus on the north east by the government which wants to promote states’ rich art and craft culture.

According to an agency report, the office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under the Union Textiles Ministry is coordinating the event which will also see screening of a film made by Umrao Jaan fame director Muzaffar Ali showing the distinct handloom products from the region bearing Geographical Indication status.

"The focus will be on the seven north eastern states so that each and every state is given due recognition by displaying their handloom and silk products," development commissioner (Handlooms) Shantmanu told a news agency.

However, the Sant Kabir and national awards will not be presented to handloom workers on the occasion, as the government has decided to club these awards with the Shilp Guru awards for handicraft artisans, which will be presented at a function in the national capital, the report said.

Artisans across the north east region spin magic weaves and craft goods which serve as a means of their livelihood. August 7 holds a special significance in India's freedom struggle as the Swadeshi Movement was formally launched on this day in 1905. The movement was marked with revival of domestic products and production processes, the report said.