August 7 was chosen as the National Handloom Day to commemorate the 'Swadeshi' Movement which was launched on the same date in 1905. The objective is to generate awareness about handloom industry amongst public at large and its contribution to the socio-economic development.

The handloom sector is a symbol of India's glorious cultural heritage and an important source of livelihood in the country. The sector is key to women empowerment as over 70 percent of handloom weavers and allied workers are women.

The Covid-19 pandemic has made survival difficult for many, one of them bring the weaver community.

Handloom weavers slipped into a quagmire of despair as sales were negligible, and their only source of income — by spinning magical weaves — had no demand. However, the warmth and camaraderie in the fashion industry always shows the power of solidarity, as they shine light on those who need it the most, especially in trying times like these. Many fashion houses and e-commerce websites came forward to promote handloom goods and spread awareness about looms. The Centre is providing online marketing opportunities to weavers and handloom producers in the face of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, and inability to hold conventional marketing events such as exhibitions and melas. A mobile application and backend website for the Handloom Mark Scheme has also been launched on the occasion.

Also, Minister of Textiles, Smriti Irani, and the textile secretary, worked towards the welfare of weavers across the country by promoting handloom.

the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) launched campaigns, such as Meet the Makers. They also started a Covid-19 Support Fund to support up and coming designers across the country.

And we should celebrate these people who celebrate our heritage and beautifully represent our motherland in a fabric and thereby conserving our legacy.