New Delhi, Aug. 7 -- As we mark National Handloom Day today to celebrate India's rich and vibrant handloom heritage, let's discover more about India's handloom tradition which has deep historical roots. Celebrated every year on 7 August, this day recognises the weaving skills and techniques of 35.22 lakh weavers and allied workers, out of which 72% are women.

First celebrated in 2015, this day honours the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched on August 7, 1905, to promote indigenous industries and local weavers. Handloom tradition dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation while spinning and weaving find mention in holy texts such as the Rigveda, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

As weavers pass down their skills and techniques to the ...