Bhubaneswar: Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department Principal Secretary, Arabinda Kumar Padhee emphasized on the significance of handloom weaving in Odisha’s cultural heritage and economy.
While inaugurating the State-level 10th National Handloom Day here on 7 August, Dr. Padhee highlighted the contributions of handloom weavers to Odisha’s rich tradition and the broader Indian textile industry.
Dr.Padhee also informed about the State Government’s commitment to supporting and promoting the handloom sector through various initiatives, including financial old, skill development programmes and marketing support.
The National Handloom Day was celebrated throughout Odisha. This is an opportunity for every citizen for respecting our age old weaving culture & tradition and support the weaver artisans who have carried the profession from generation to generation with their exceptional skill and creative ability.
The celebration in Odisha was not just about showcasing beautiful textiles but also about recognizing the hard work and dedication of the weavers.
On this day in 1905, the Swadeshi Movement was formally launched at a massive meeting in the Calcutta Town Hall. To commemorate the beginning of Swadeshi Movement in 1905 on 7 August, the day is celebrated as National Handloom Day all over the country.
The main objective behind this commemoration is to generate awareness on the importance of Handloom industry and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country in general.
Odisha a state rich in cultural heritage is renowned for its exquisite handloom traditions. The state’s handloom industry is a testament to the skill and creativity of its weavers who have preserved and passed down their craft through generations.
Odisha’s handloom products such as Sambalpuri, Ikat, Bomkai, Maniabandha and Berhampuri sarees are celebrated for their unique designs and vibrant colors worldwide. These textiles are not just pieces of fabric but are woven stories of the region’s history, culture and traditions.
During the event, Dr Padhee felicitated four weavers for their successful engagement in Weaving of handloom products.
Suresh Kumar Rout was recognized for his work with Dhalapathar Parada and fabric in Khordha district. Sambhunatha Senapati was celebrated for his expertise in Phuta Saree and Gamuchha from Mayurbhanj district.
Similarly, Bhagabati Sisa was acknowledged for her craftsmanship in Keranga fabric in Koraput district, while Jalandhar Meher was honored for his creation of Habaspuri sarees and fabric in Kalahandi district.
Each of these weavers have made a significant impact on the handloom industry, reflecting the rich heritage and skill of their respective regions.
Among others, Additional Secretary, HT&H Department Bikramaditya Barik, Joint Secretary Ananya Das, Director Shovan Krishna Sahu, Managing Director of Boyanika Pranati Chhotray, Joint Director of Textiles, Debjit Nandy, Managing Director of Utkalika Kalyani Pattnaik, Additional Director, Sericulture, Surya Narayan Patnaik and Special Officer of Directorate of Textiles office, Bhubaneswar Indira Behera were present.