Kangana Ranaut Celebrates National Handloom Day, Advocates for Indian Textile Heritage

Kangana Ranaut's Call to Embrace Handloom Heritage

On National Handloom Day, Kangana Ranaut, an actress and Member of Parliament, made a passionate appeal for Indians to appreciate the nation's rich textile legacy. She shared her personal transformation from favoring global luxury brands to proudly donning traditional handloom fabrics, which has deepened her understanding of culture, identity, and self-sufficiency.

In a touching video posted on social media, Ranaut encouraged her followers to celebrate India's handloom heritage while reflecting on her changing relationship with traditional textiles.

In her Instagram clip, Ranaut greeted her audience and commented on the rainy weather in Delhi, saying, “Namaste friends, look at the view of Delhi today. It’s raining heavily here.”

Discussing the shift in fashion perspectives, she reminisced about her past preference for international labels. “We belong to a generation of fast food, fast life, and fast fashion. My home was always filled with international brands. I used to think handloom was something we wore occasionally to express our Indianness, perhaps during weddings or once or twice a year.” However, her viewpoint shifted in 2014 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for self-reliance. “In 2014, when the Honourable Prime Minister highlighted the importance of self-reliance and self-respect, I realized that those we admire, whether Americans or Europeans, take pride in their own cultures. Yet, when it comes to showcasing our ethnicity and Indianness, we often fall short,” she explained. Displaying her white and pink saree, she noted, “Today, I am wearing this saree from the Kutch region of Gujarat.” She emphasized that handloom is integral to India's artistic and cultural identity, stating, “This is part of our culture, and our generation must advance with it.”

Ranaut wrapped up her message by encouraging support for Indian handloom products. “Let’s embrace Handloom. Happy Handloom Day to everyone. The Prime Minister has urged us all to purchase something from Handloom. Let’s make that commitment today,” she urged.

Watch the video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbuoKmezvlB/

As part of the National Handloom Day festivities, Ranaut recently attended the Weaves of India festival at CCIE, where she explored the diverse textile traditions of India and engaged with master weavers and exhibitors from various regions. The exhibition highlighted traditional craftsmanship and the rich heritage of Indian handloom weaving.

Ranaut has consistently promoted Indian handloom textiles, often opting for traditional sarees and regional weaves for public appearances, airport looks, and official events. Since her election as the Member of Parliament for Mandi, handloom sarees have become a staple in her parliamentary attire.

National Handloom Day is celebrated annually on August 7 to honor India's handloom weaving community, preserve traditional textile heritage, and commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905.