The Secretary (Textiles), Government of India, inaugurated the 3rd edition of the grand event, “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024,” at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s festival places a special emphasis on showcasing handloom saris from diverse regions of India. The event will bring together handloom weavers, sari designers, enthusiasts, and buyers from across the nation, celebrating the country’s rich handloom heritage.

The festival aims to honor and promote the age-old tradition of handloom weaving while highlighting its vast potential for economic growth. By shining a spotlight on the craftsmanship involved in sari weaving, the event seeks to boost the livelihoods of handloom artisans and elevate their earnings.

Key highlights of the festival include:

• 90 stalls representing 23 states featuring handwoven saris and handicrafts.
  • 72 stalls showcasing handloom saris from 18 states.
  • 18 stalls displaying handicrafts from 14 states.
• A specially curated thematic display of India’s finest handloom saris.
• Live demonstrations of weaving techniques and traditional crafts.
• Interactive workshops and insightful talks on sustainability and the legacy of saris.
• Performances of folk dances from various regions of India.
• A taste of India’s cultural diversity through regional cuisines.
  

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is organizing the “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024” from 15th to 28th December 2024, at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. The festival has seen tremendous success in its previous editions, with the 2022-23 and 2023-24 events recording an impressive footfall of approximately 20,000 visitors. This enthusiastic participation has helped draw significant attention to the handloom sector, which remains a vital part of India’s cultural and economic landscape.

The handloom sector symbolizes India’s diverse and rich cultural heritage while being a crucial employment generator, particularly for women. The sector provides livelihoods to over 35 lakh artisans across the country. Each region of India boasts unique weaving traditions and saris that hold deep cultural and artistic significance. From Venkatgiri, Uppada Jamdani, Mangalagiri, and Tussar to Muga, Mekhla Chador, Kota Doria, Gujarat Ikat, Patola, Chanderi, Pochampally, Banarasi Brocade, and Bhagalpuri Silk—these handwoven saris reflect the unmatched artistry of Indian weavers and are admired globally for their exclusive designs, motifs, and craftsmanship.

To strengthen and support this heritage, the Government of India has launched several schemes to brand handloom products as high-quality, eco-friendly creations with zero defects. These initiatives not only ensure the authenticity of handcrafted products but also enhance their market appeal, creating better opportunities for artisans. Exhibitors at the festival are encouraged to display their best creations, contributing to increased visibility, market growth, and improved earnings for the handloom community.

The “Viraasat – My Sari My Pride” festival will remain open to the public from 11 AM to 8 PM, from 15th to 28th December 2024.