Bhubaneswar: Highlighting Odisha’s rich textile heritage and skilled artisans, the 11th National Handloom Day celebration kicked off in Bhubaneswar on Thursday with Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit gracing the event as a special guest.
The state-level celebration witnessed the grand inauguration of ‘EKTA’ — a dedicated initiative to promote handloom and cooperative efforts—at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar.
Bollywood Diva Madhuri Dixit was a special guest at the Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage (EKTA), an event inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Odisha Co-operation and Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta was also present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Madhuri Dixit expressed admiration for Odisha’s rich textile heritage and emphasised the importance of preserving traditional crafts through modern platforms like EKTA. The program aims to provide market access, training, and financial support to handloom artisans across the state.
The launch of EKTA aligns with the state’s broader vision to revitalise indigenous industries and promote sustainable livelihoods.
National Handloom Day, observed annually on August 7, commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, a pivotal campaign that encouraged the use of indigenous products and rejected colonial imports—placing special emphasis on handwoven textiles. In recognition of its historic significance, the Union government officially designated August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015.
This year’s celebration not only paid homage to India’s handloom legacy but also looked to the future, with forward-thinking initiatives such as the Handloom Hackathon 2025, aimed at fostering innovation in the sector.
The event is set to continue with the EKTA program on August 8 and 9, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Odisha.
The exhibition will feature 60 stalls highlighting Odisha’s diverse weaving and artisanal traditions, alongside a food court and a dedicated play zone. More than 1,500 weavers from Odisha and eight other states will participate, offering live weaving demonstrations. Additionally, the program will include seven knowledge-sharing sessions and a felicitation ceremony to honour the recipients of the State Handloom Award 2023-24.
From Thursday to Saturday, the evenings will be filled with cultural performances, including Odissi and Sambalpuri folk dances, contemporary shows, fashion events, and an eye-catching laser display. These cultural programs promise to provide a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s heritage and creativity.
The initiative aims to promote Odisha’s handloom industry, facilitate knowledge exchange, and honor the artisans who play a vital role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
