Mumbai, Aug 4: Reaffirming its commitment to preserving India’s handloom heritage and strengthening the livelihoods of traditional weaving communities, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is organising an Exhibition-cum-Sale from 5 to 7 August 2026 at its Head Office in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The exhibition will showcase handloom products representing 15 distinguished weaving traditions, including Paithani, Pochampally Ikat, Kota Doriya, Sambalpuri , Bhagalpur Silk , Kantha Stitch , Kutch Shawls , Venkatagiri , Arani Silk , Balaramapuram , Mubarakpur, Ambala Handlooms, Bagh, Bhagaiya Silk and Uttariya . Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and purchase authentic handloom products directly from the producers. A Buyer-Seller Meet will also be organised on 6 August 2026 at 4:00 PM to facilitate interactions between artisans, producer groups, institutional buyers and market stakeholders, fostering new business opportunities and long-term market linkages.
As part of its sustained efforts to promote the handloom sector, NABARD has been celebrating National Handloom Day through exhibitions, awareness initiatives and market promotion activities across its Head Office and Regional Offices. The Bank has also supported the Geographical Indication registration of traditional handloom products, livelihood development and skill enhancement programmes, and the collectivisation of handloom artisans through Rural Enterprise Producer Organisations. These interventions strengthen market access, encourage value addition and contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods while preserving India’s traditional weaving legacy. Observed annually on 7 August, National Handloom Day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 and recognises the invaluable contribution of India’s handloom weavers to the country’s cultural heritage, rural economy and self-reliant growth.