Madhuri Dixit Joins Odisha’s National Handloom Day Celebration

State-level event highlights India’s handloom heritage and future innovation

Bhubaneswar: As India marked the 11th National Handloom Day on August 7, renowned Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit graced the state-level celebration held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Her presence added glamour and renewed attention to the nation’s proud handloom legacy and the countless artisans behind it.

The event was part of Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage (EKTA), inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Also in attendance was Odisha Co-operation and Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, who emphasized the state’s commitment to reviving and promoting traditional weaving practices.

National Handloom Day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, a significant milestone in India’s freedom struggle that encouraged the use of locally made products, particularly handwoven textiles. Recognizing its cultural and historical importance, the Indian government officially declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015.

This year’s event was not only a tribute to heritage but also a platform for innovation. A major highlight was the announcement of the Handloom Hackathon 2025, a forward-looking initiative designed to encourage creative and tech-driven solutions for challenges faced by the sector. The hackathon seeks to involve young minds, designers, and tech developers to innovate in areas such as design, supply chain, market access, and sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi underscored the importance of empowering handloom weavers and expanding market linkages to boost rural livelihoods. He also spoke about Odisha’s diverse textile tradition, including the famous Sambalpuri, Bomkai, and Berhampuri weaves, and called for greater appreciation of these art forms both nationally and globally.

Madhuri Dixit, known for her grace and elegance, expressed her admiration for Indian handlooms and encouraged the youth to embrace sustainable and indigenous fashion. “Every thread woven by our artisans carries the story of our culture, history, and resilience. Supporting handloom is not just fashion—it’s a movement,” she said.

The EKTA event featured live demonstrations by weavers, exhibitions of handloom products from across India, and interactive sessions on innovation, marketing, and digital engagement in the textile sector. Artisans shared stories of their struggles and success, bringing a human touch to the fabric of the celebration.

As the event concluded, it sent a clear message: India’s handloom tradition is not just a legacy of the past—it is a vibrant, evolving sector with immense potential. Through initiatives like the Handloom Hackathon and increased public awareness, stakeholders hope to create sustainable livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire the next generation to carry the handloom story forward.