Kangana Ranaut joins hands with weavers to celebrate India’s handloom legacy

In a heartfelt celebration of India’s most timeless fashion legacy, handlooms, the Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, hosted a grand event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 7th August, marking the 11th National Handloom Day. What unfolded was more than a government function, it was a glowing tribute to the spirit of Indian weavers and the rich, woven stories they create with every thread.

The event was graced by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, Secretary Neelam Shami Rao, and other senior dignitaries, all of whom underscored the nation’s commitment to handloom artisans.

Kangana Ranaut, known not just for her bold political stance but also for her unwavering love for Indian textiles, turned heads in her elegant presence. She later took to Instagram to reflect on the moment, writing:

"It was a moment of pride to participate today in the programme organised on the occasion of the 11th National Handloom Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, along with Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh Ji and many other dignitaries.

This day is dedicated to the weavers and artisans whose art, traditions, and hard work keep India's cultural heritage alive.

Under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the efforts being made by the Central Government to empower weavers are indeed a strong step from being ‘Vocal for Local’ to achieving ‘Global Recognition.’

Let us honour the hard work of our local artisans, give priority to handloom products, and pass on our rich heritage to future generations."

As always, Kangana blended her passion with her personal style. Clad in traditional Indian weaves, her look reminded everyone that handloom is not just craft—it’s couture.

The event wasn’t just ceremonial. It featured a thoughtfully curated handloom and handicraft exhibition under the E Nurture initiative, a CSR programme by India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML) in association with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Through this showcase, artisans and weavers from across the country presented their work directly to the public and industry stakeholders, giving faces and stories to the magic we often only see on store shelves.

These participants, many from rural areas, were onboarded through Expo Bazaar, an e-commerce platform dedicated to promoting Indian handicrafts in both Indian and global markets. It’s a welcome shift, one that empowers weavers with visibility, professional exposure and a digital-first approach in an increasingly online world.

But what truly made this event fashion-forward was the ethos behind it: celebrating style with substance. It’s easy to fall for fast fashion, but this celebration reminded us that the real richness lies in the warp and weft of Indian textiles, spun with centuries of culture, local stories, and sheer skill.

As we saw Jamdanis, Chanderis, Ikats and Bhujodis being displayed not just as fabrics but as heritage artefacts, it was clear, India’s handloom story isn’t fading. It’s evolving.

The larger mission? To bring weavers out of the shadows and into the spotlight they truly deserve. Events like these aren’t just about preserving the past, they’re about building a future where Indian textiles are loved, worn, and respected across the world. And this National Handloom Day proved exactly that.

So the next time you pick a sari or kurta, think beyond the fabric. Think of the artisan behind it. That’s where fashion begins.