**Executive Summary**
The Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the Special Handloom Expo and presided over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) on February 23, 2026. The event, part of the ongoing Special Handloom Expo (February 21 – March 2, 2026), focused on promoting Swadeshi handloom products and supporting weavers. A key action involved the release of a multi-lingual comic book to raise awareness about the handloom sector.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview:**
* The Union Minister of Textiles inaugurated the Special Handloom Expo and attended the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of NHDC.
* The event was attended by key officials from the Ministry of Textiles and NHDC, along with weavers and stakeholders.
* **NHDC's Role and Government Commitment:**
* The celebration marked NHDC’s 43rd anniversary of strengthening India’s handloom ecosystem.
* The Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing, expanding market access for artisans, and promoting Swadeshi textiles.
* **Special Handloom Expo (21 February – 2 March 2026):**
* Aimed at promoting Swadeshi handloom products and strengthening market linkages.
* **Key Highlights:**
* Release of a multi-lingual comic book to create awareness about the handloom sector among younger audiences.
* An Annual Report presentation highlighted NHDC’s key achievements, outreach programs, and economic empowerment efforts.
* Distinguished weavers and artisans were felicitated for their contributions.
* A "Paridhan Pradarshini" showcased handloom garments, reflecting craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence.
* The Minister visited the exhibition area featuring 60 stalls (48 handloom, 12 handicraft) and interacted with weavers and exhibitors.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Weavers and Artisans**
* **Impact**: Celebrated and recognized for their craftsmanship and contribution to preserving India's weaving traditions. Benefit from strengthened market linkages and enhanced livelihood opportunities through the Expo.
* **Action Required**: Participate in the Special Handloom Expo to promote their products and engage with consumers.
**Stakeholder: NHDC (National Handloom Development Corporation)**
* **Impact**: Gains recognition for its 43 years of contributions to the handloom ecosystem.
* **Action Required**: Continue its efforts in empowering the weaving community and implementing future initiatives.
**Stakeholder: Consumers**
* **Impact**: Increased awareness about handloom products and access to a wider variety of handwoven items through the Special Handloom Expo and related initiatives.
* **Action Required**: Support Swadeshi textiles by purchasing handloom products and engaging with the handloom sector.
**Stakeholder: Younger Audiences**
* **Impact**: To become more aware and appreciative of handloom weaving, its legacy, processes, and cultural significance, through an engaging comic book.
* **Action Required**: Read and learn from the released comic book to understand and value the handloom sector.
Key Entities Referenced
National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC): Central corporation focused on the development of the handloom sector.
Ministry of Textiles: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation of policy, planning, development, and regulation of the textiles industry.
Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi: Location of the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations and Special Handloom Expo.
Special Handloom Expo: An exhibition aimed at promoting Swadeshi handloom products.
Ministry of Textiles
Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh
,inaugurates Special Handloom Expo; NHDC
Celebrates 43rd Foundation Day at Handloom
Haat
Posted On: 23 FEB 2026 8:26PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the Special Handloom Expo and presided
over the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC)
at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, today.
The event was attended by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Dr. M. Beena,
Development Commissioner (Handlooms); senior officials of the Ministry of Textiles and NHDC; along
with weavers, cooperative societies, and stakeholders from across the country.
The celebration marked a significant milestone in NHDC’s 43-year journey of strengthening India’s
handloom ecosystem and supporting the livelihoods of weavers nationwide. Addressing the gathering,
Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the pivotal role of the handloom sector in sustaining rural livelihoods and
promoting sustainable, indigenous production systems. He reiterated the Government of India’s
commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding market access for artisans, and
encouraging citizens to actively support Swadeshi textiles. The Minister also outlined the roadmap for
NHDC’s future initiatives while appreciating the Corporation’s sustained efforts in empowering the
weaving community.
The Foundation Day celebrations were held as part of the ongoing Special Handloom Expo (21 February –
2 March 2026), aimed at promoting Swadeshi handloom products, strengthening direct market linkages
between weavers and consumers, and enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans.
During the event, the Hon’ble Minister released a multi-lingual comic book designed to create greater
awareness about the handloom sector, particularly among younger audiences. The publication presents the
legacy, processes, and cultural significance of handloom weaving in an engaging and accessible format.An Annual Report presentation highlighted NHDC’s key achievements over the past year, including major
initiatives, outreach programmes, and efforts toward economic empowerment of weavers.
Distinguished weavers and artisans were felicitated for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and
enduring contribution to preserving and promoting India’s rich weaving traditions.
Enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the celebration, a Paridhan Pradarshini showcased an elegant display
of handloom garments reflecting the diversity, craftsmanship, and aesthetic excellence embedded in
India’s regional weaving traditions.
The Hon’ble Minister also visited the exhibition area at Handloom Haat, which features 60 stalls —
comprising 48 handloom and 12 handicraft stalls — and interacted with weavers and exhibitors. He
appreciated the quality, innovation, and wide variety of handwoven products on display.
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