On August 7, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu celebrated India’s handloom traditions by presenting the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards to 22 talented artisans at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The event commemorated the importance of preserving India’s historic weaving legacy.
The awards recognized exceptional craftsmanship and contributions from weavers, designers, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs across the nation. This year’s awardees showcased India’s rich diversity in weaving, highlighting traditions such as Kanchipuram silk and Banarasi Jamdani.
Three artisans received the prestigious Sant Kabir Handloom Awards. Ram Meher from Odisha earned the award for his exquisite Bichitpar Khadi Saree. Runima Chetiya Choudhury from Assam garnered recognition for her stunning Muga Silk Saree. Shah Muhammad Ansari from Uttar Pradesh was honored for his rare Zarbaft Shewatambari Awadh Jamdhani Saree.
In addition, 19 artisans celebrated under various categories of the National Handloom Awards demonstrated excellence in weaving, design innovation, and entrepreneurship. Awardees included those crafting Kanchipuram Silk Sarees in Tamil Nadu, Cotton Tussar Half-and-Half Jamdani Sarees from Andhra Pradesh, and Maheshwari Sarees from Madhya Pradesh.
Among the notable recipients were those recognized for their contributions outside traditional weaving. Gopinathan MV from Tamil Nadu and Mantu Basak from West Bengal were awarded for outstanding design development. N. Venkateswara Rao from Andhra Pradesh and the CH-31 Kovilvazhi Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society of Tamil Nadu received accolades for marketing efforts.
The awards left an indelible mark by representing 13 states and Union Territories, including notable regions like Gujarat, Sikkim, and Manipur. This wide-ranging representation underscores the vastness of India’s textile traditions, from luxurious silks to intricate tribal and sustainable fabrics.
National Handloom Day, observed annually on August 7, holds historical significance, linking back to the Swadeshi Movement of 1905. It emphasizes the crucial role of the handloom sector in preserving our cultural heritage, generating rural employment, and supporting millions of weaving families across India.
The government continues to celebrate and support artisans dedicated to preserving these traditional techniques. By honoring traditional craftsmen, the distinguished awards reaffirm India’s commitment to safeguarding its vibrant and historic craft traditions.
