Bhubaneswar, Aug 6: Odisha will mark National Handloom Day on August 7, 2025, with a spectacular event in Bhubaneswar, as announced by Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta.
The grand celebration will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit Nene gracing the occasion as a special guest.
As part of the festivities, the EKTA (Exhibition-cum-Knowledge Sharing for Textile Advantage) programme will be held on August 8 and 9, alongside a mega handloom and handicraft exhibition at Janata Maidan from August 7 to 13.
The exhibition will showcase Odisha’s rich weaving traditions and artisanal heritage, with 60 stalls featuring a diverse collection of handloom and handicraft products. There will also be a food court and a play zone, offering visitors a complete cultural experience.
From August 7 to 9, cultural performances will take center stage every evening, highlighting the cultural vibrancy of Odisha. The lineup includes Odissi dance, Sambalpuri folk dance, contemporary performances, fashion shows, and a dazzling laser show.
Over 1,500 weavers from Odisha, along with artisans from more than eight other states, are expected to participate in this significant event. Additionally, seven knowledge-sharing sessions and live weaving demonstrations will be held to educate visitors about the craft.
The celebrations will culminate in a felicitation ceremony honoring the winners of the State Handloom Award 2023–24, Minister Samanta confirmed.
