Ministry of Textiles Launches ‘Weaves of India’ Festival Ahead of National Handloom Day 2026
Festival at New Delhi’s Central Cottage Industries Emporium showcases 116 heritage handloom traditions from across India
The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has launched the ‘Weaves of India’ Festival at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), Janpath, as part of the celebrations leading up to the 12th National Handloom Day on 7 August 2026.
The festival, which runs from 24 July to 7 August 2026, presents a curated showcase of India’s diverse handloom heritage, bringing together 116 traditional handwoven textile traditions from across the country. The exhibition highlights the craftsmanship, artistic excellence and cultural legacy preserved by generations of Indian weavers.
Visitors can explore celebrated weaving traditions from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir and Tripura, among other states.
The exhibition features several of India’s most renowned handloom traditions, including Banarasi, Jamdani, Kanchipuram Silk, Sambalpuri Ikat, Paithani, Kani Pashmina, Bawan Buti, Kotpad, Ilkal, Kasargod, Himroo, and Risha, each reflecting the distinctive textile heritage and cultural identity of its region.
Beyond showcasing traditional textiles, the festival seeks to encourage greater appreciation for authentic handwoven products while promoting awareness of sustainable, ethical and artisan-led production practices. It also serves as a platform for interaction among master weavers, designers, collectors, buyers, researchers and the public.
The Ministry of Textiles continues to support the preservation, promotion and revitalisation of India’s handloom sector through initiatives focused on artisan welfare, design innovation, market development and consumer awareness. The ‘Weaves of India’ Festival reinforces this commitment by celebrating India’s living textile traditions and encouraging wider support for the country’s handloom artisans.
The festival is open to visitors at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Janpath, New Delhi, from 24 July to 7 August 2026, inviting the public to experience the richness and artistry of India’s handwoven heritage ahead of National Handloom Day.
