National Handloom Day exhibition-cum-sale

The National Handloom Day exhibition-cum-sale, organized by NABARD, was held in Mumbai from August 5 to 7. This three-day event served as a significant platform to promote traditional handloom products and foster direct connections between artisans and urban consumers.

The exhibition highlighted a rich diversity of Indian craftsmanship, featuring 15 different weaving traditions sourced from 14 states across the country. Among these were nine products with Geographical Indication (GI) registration, such as Paithani, Pochampally Ikat, Kota Doriya, Sambalpuri, Bhagalpur Silk, Kantha Stitch, and Kutch Shawls. The event achieved remarkable commercial success, with total sales surpassing ₹67 lakh.

In addition to the exhibition and sales, NABARD facilitated a buyer-seller meet to encourage direct interaction and business opportunities. Educational sessions were also conducted on platforms like ONDC and MyStore, aimed at assisting artisans with digital onboarding, e-commerce strategies, branding, and online sales. These initiatives underscore NABARD's broader efforts to empower rural producers and enhance market access for the handloom sector in India.