116 Traditional Handloom Weaves on Display as ‘Weaves of India Festival’ Opens at Janpath
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New Delhi, July 25 – The ‘Weaves of India Festival’, highlighting India’s vibrant handloom tradition and the skill of its weavers, has launched at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (The Cottage) on Janpath, New Delhi. The opening ceremony was led by Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, with Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) of the Ministry of Textiles, present as Guest of Honour.
Scheduled in anticipation of National Handloom Day, the festival aims to display India’s varied weaving practices and bolster the nation’s thriving handloom industry.
Jointly organized by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, and the Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC), the exhibition runs through August 7, 2026, welcoming visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A highlight of the festival is the presentation of 116 traditional handloom weaves gathered from across the nation under a single roof. The showcase also includes National Award‑winning weavers who demonstrate their age‑old weaving methods and engage with attendees.
Artisans from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi), West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and numerous other states are exhibiting their distinctive handloom creations. Visitors can discover celebrated weaves like Banarasi, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Jamdani, Muga, and Bhagalpuri silk, together with hand‑crafted dupattas, shawls, and assorted handmade fabrics.
Speaking at the inauguration, Akhilesh Kumar, Dy. DG Ministry of Textile and Chairman, Central Cottage Industries Corporation, said the exhibition lets visitors not only admire India’s traditional handloom weaves but also learn about the culture, heritage, and inspiring stories behind each weave. He added that gathering artisans from across the country on one platform allows people to firsthand experience India’s rich handloom legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, explained that the exhibition was arranged to commemorate National Handloom Day. She emphasized that the festival gives visitors a special chance to engage directly with weavers, grasp their craftsmanship and traditions, and buy genuine handloom products straight from the artisans.
The ‘Weaves of India Festival’ transcends a mere exhibition; it is a celebration of India’s textile heritage, cultural diversity, and the enduring skills of generations of weavers. The initiative seeks to promote Indian handlooms, expand market prospects for artisans, and bring the nation’s traditional weaving legacy nearer to audiences throughout India and beyond.
