India will observe August 7 as National Handloom Day. A national level function will be held to mark the first National Handloom Day. The aim is to boost the morale of handloom weavers of the country.

In order to promote good quality genuine handloom products in a campaign mode, the India Handloom brand has been prepared to provide quality assurance to domestic as well as international consumers. Sant Kabir awards and national awards will be presented to distinguished handloom workers for years 2012, 2013 and 2014. An exhibition showcasing master creations of the awardees will also be organised.

The Swadeshi movement was launched in August 7, 1905, in order to promote genuine, global quality products in international markets. The movement involved boycotting British products and the revival of domestic products and production processes. India has a heritage of handloom weaving that is unique and the largest anywhere in the world. But that is dying because of lack of support and policies that are killing the handloom industry.

Handloom weavers are known for their unique designs on saris, dress material, bed sheets and furnishings. These items are meant to be produced only by weavers under the Handlooms Reservation Act. However that has not safeguarded the brand against imitation by power looms.