NABARD National Handloom Day Exhibition Records Over ₹67 Lakh in Sales

Three-day Mumbai event showcases 15 handloom traditions from 14 states and strengthens market and digital opportunities for artisans

NABARD marked National Handloom Day 2026 with a three-day exhibition-cum-sale held from 5 to 7 August 2026 at its Head Office in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. The event recorded sales of over ₹67 lakh while providing handloom artisans with direct marketing opportunities and a platform to connect with buyers, financial institutions and wider markets.

The exhibition brought together 15 weaving traditions from 14 states, including nine GI products, while sessions on buyer-seller engagement, digital marketing and GI registration provided additional support to participating artisans.

15 Handloom Traditions Showcased in Mumbai

The exhibition featured Paithani from Maharashtra, Pochampally Ikat from Telangana, Kota Doriya from Rajasthan, Sambalpuri from Odisha, Bhagalpur Silk from Bihar, Kantha Stitch from West Bengal, Kutch Shawls from Gujarat, Venkatagiri from Andhra Pradesh, Arani Silk from Tamil Nadu, Balaramapuram from Kerala, Mubarakpur Handloom from Uttar Pradesh, Ambala Handlooms from Haryana, Bagh from Madhya Pradesh, Bhagaiya Silk from Jharkhand and Uttariya from Karnataka.

The artisans received participation certificates, while trophies were presented to the best three stalls.

Dr. Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD, said, “This exhibition is an amalgamation of rural enterprise and culture. Such initiatives help to create awareness among urban consumers about the rich weaving traditions of rural India and strengthen the rural-urban connect. They provide vital market facilitation opportunities, including access to export markets, for rural enterprises. Handloom is also a sustainable development model that contributes to climate resilience and environmentally responsible livelihoods. As the custodian of rural development, NABARD remains committed to reviving age-old traditions and supporting rural enterprises”.

Buyer-Seller Meet Connects Artisans with Urban Buyers

NABARD conducted a Buyer-Seller Meet on 6 August 2026 as part of the celebrations. The session enabled direct interaction between artisans and urban buyers, allowing participants to exchange information on market insights, customer preferences and business requirements.

The meeting also facilitated networking, contact sharing and potential long-term commercial linkages between producers and buyers.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, congratulated the participating artisans and organizations and highlighted the role of such exhibitions in recognising the talent, craftsmanship and work of rural communities. He also reaffirmed NABARD’s commitment to sustainable livelihood opportunities and stronger market access for rural producers.

ONDC and MyStore Session Focuses on Digital Marketing

A special awareness session on ONDC and MyStore was held on 7 August 2026 to strengthen artisans’ digital marketing capabilities. Ms. Ankita Kapur, Hippo Innovations Pvt. Ltd., conducted the session, which covered digital onboarding, e-commerce opportunities, branding, social media marketing, catalogue preparation, inventory management and online selling practices.

Participating artisans discussed challenges associated with online marketing and explored opportunities through ONDC to expand their market reach beyond geographical boundaries.

GI Registration and Market Recognition

Padma Shri Dr. Rajanikant, GI Expert and Founder, Human Welfare Association, interacted with participating weavers and artisans during the event. He shared information on the importance of GI registration, the benefits associated with GI products and the process of obtaining Authorised User registration to support product authenticity, market recognition and economic opportunities.

National Handloom Day is observed annually on 7 August to celebrate India’s handloom heritage and recognise the contribution of skilled weavers. The day also commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous products and self-reliance.

NABARD’s Support for the Handloom Sector

NABARD has supported the handloom sector through developmental and market-led interventions since its inception. With NABARD’s support, 43 handloom products have secured GI registration, while 41 Rural Enterprise Producer Organizations (REPOs) have been formed in the handloom sector across the country.

NABARD also facilitates the participation of weavers in regional and national exhibitions, including Mahalaxmi Saras, Surajkund International Crafts Mela and Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, to provide access to wider markets and livelihood opportunities.

Recently, NABARD launched the “Emporium” initiative to provide a dedicated platform for displaying and marketing authentic rural products and connecting artisan groups and rural enterprises with a broader customer base.