The Handloom Awards 2024 will honour India’s finest weavers, designers, and handloom innovators during the 11th National Handloom Day celebrations on August 7, 2025. This prestigious ceremony will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with the President of India conferring the awards in the presence of Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh and other dignitaries.
A Celebration of India’s Weaving Legacy
The Ministry of Textiles has announced a total of 24 awardees this year. This includes 5 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards. These awards aim to recognize the exceptional skill, dedication, and contribution of individuals and organizations in preserving and innovating India’s handloom sector.
This initiative is a key component under the Handloom Marketing Assistance (HMA) scheme, part of the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP).
Sant Kabir Handloom Award: Honouring Master Weavers
The Sant Kabir Award is the highest recognition for handloom weavers in India. It is awarded to those who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and lifelong dedication to the weaving craft.
Eligibility includes: previous national/state awardees, recipients of national merit certificates, or individuals recognized for advancing handloom traditions, community welfare, and craft innovation.
Prize Details:
- Cash Award of ₹3.5 lakh
- Gold Coin (mounted)
- Certificate (Tamrapatra)
- Shawl and Recognition Certificate
National Handloom Award: Celebrating Rising Talent
The National Handloom Award recognises the rising stars of the weaving world. These awards motivate artisans to continue their craft with pride and inspire others in the community.
Prize Details:
- Cash Award of ₹2 lakh
- Certificate (Tamrapatra)
- Shawl and Certificate of Recognition
Rigorous Selection for Transparent Recognition
The award selection process is known for its transparency and integrity. For the weaving category, a three-tier selection process is followed:
- Zonal Level: Headed by Zonal Director
- Headquarters Level: Chaired by the Development Commissioner (Handloom)
- Central Level: Led by the Secretary (Textiles)
Each of these committees includes 11 members from various sectors—experts, officials, and craft professionals—ensuring unbiased evaluation based on merit.
For awards in design, marketing, start-ups, and producer companies, a two-tier process is implemented at the Headquarters and Central levels.
National Handloom Day: A Movement of Pride
India celebrates National Handloom Day on August 7 every year to honour the Swadeshi movement and uplift the handloom industry. This year marks the 11th edition of this celebration. Over 500 weavers from across India will participate in the award event at Bharat Mandapam, connecting tradition with national pride.
Why These Awards Matter
Handloom is more than just fabric—it’s tradition, identity, and livelihood for millions. According to the PIB, India has over 35 lakh handloom workers, with women constituting more than 70% of the workforce.
These awards not only recognize individual brilliance but also spotlight the importance of sustaining this eco-friendly and culturally rich sector. Honouring weavers with national-level recognition encourages younger generations to carry forward the legacy.
Voices from the Loom
Past awardees have spoken of how the recognition brought international visibility and commercial support. From remote villages in Assam to artisan hubs in Tamil Nadu, stories of empowerment and resilience define the handloom journey.
In 2023, weaver Laxmi Devi from Odisha, a National Handloom Awardee, shared how her village started a self-help group after her win, reviving old weaving techniques and building sustainable income for 40+ women.
Government’s Continued Commitment
The Ministry of Textiles continues to support the sector through NHDP, HMA, and cluster development schemes. The focus remains on empowering artisans, building market linkages, and digitizing handloom access through portals like IndiaHandmade.
These awards are not just ceremonial—they are milestones in the roadmap of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Conclusion: Weaving a Stronger India
The Handloom Awards 2024 are a powerful tribute to India’s timeless textile tradition. They honour not just the art, but the artists. As India marches forward in innovation, these threads of tradition will keep our roots intact, colorful, and proud.
Let us celebrate every thread, every hand, and every story behind India’s handloom magic.
