VIRAASAT

About VIRAASAT: 

• It is organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles.
• The series “VIRAASAT”- the “Exclusive Handloom Expo” is a continuation of celebrations held during previous years around the National Handloom Day.
• Focus: The event focuses on the glorious tradition of Handloom and Handicrafts. It also provides a market connected to the handloom weavers and artisans.
• The unique products such as Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Baluchari, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua and Tangaliya will be featured in this exhibition.

Key facts about the National Handloom Day

• Historical context: The Swadeshi Movement which was launched on 7th August, 1905 had encouraged indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers. 
• Since 2015, the Government of India has decided to commemorate the 7th of August every year as the National Handloom Day.
• The first National Handloom Day was held on 7th August 2015 in Chennai.
• It aims to recognise the efforts and skills of the community of weavers engaged in this sector. 

Q1: What is the speciality of the Jamdani saree?

Jamdani is a vividly patterned, sheer cotton fabric, traditionally woven on a handloom by craftspeople and apprentices around Dhaka.

Source: “VIRAASAT”, an exhibition to celebrate 10th National Handloom Day begins at Handloom Haat, New Delhi