VIRAASAT: Weaving the Legacy of Indian Saris

The “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024” is an exclusive handloom sari exhibition organized by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. Running from December 15 to December 28, 2024, this mega event is dedicated to showcasing the rich and diverse handloom heritage of India. The festival aims to celebrate the tradition, artistry, and potential of the Indian handloom sector, with a special focus on handwoven saris from various regions of the country. 

Event Duration and Location

• Dates: December 15 to December 28, 2024
• Venue: Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi
• Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
• Inauguration: The event was inaugurated by the Secretary of Textiles, Government of India.

Stalls and Exhibitions

• 90 stalls in total, representing 23 states showcasing handwoven sarees and handicrafts.
• 72 stalls dedicated to handloom from 18 states.
• 18 stalls representing handicrafts from 14 states.

Event Features

• Curated theme display of exquisite handloom saris from across India.
• Live loom and craft demonstrations showcasing the weaving process.
• Workshops and talks on saris, sustainability, and handloom weaving.
• Folk dances representing various regional traditions of India.
• Regional cuisines offering a taste of India’s diverse culinary heritage.

Participation and Footfall

• Previous editions (2022-23 and 2023-24) saw an impressive 20,000 footfalls across all age groups, drawing significant attention to the handloom sector.

Cultural and Economic Impact

• The event celebrates India’s rich and varied handloom heritage, highlighting traditional weaving techniques like Venkatgiri, Uppada Jamdani, Banarasi Brocade, and Pochampally, among many others.
• The handloom sector employs over 35 lakh people, with a large number of women contributing to its growth.
• The event serves as a platform for increasing the visibility of handloom products and improving market access for the handloom community.

Government Support

• The Indian government has launched several schemes to promote high-quality, eco-friendly handloom products.
• Zero defects and zero effects on the environment are emphasized to maintain the distinct identity of handloom products.
• Exhibitors are encouraged to display and promote their exclusive products, thereby boosting the earnings of the handloom community.