Odisha Weavers Shine: Prez Murmu to Confer National Awards

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rich handloom tradition will shine on the national stage as two master weavers from the state are set to be honoured during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Ram Meher of Baragada will receive the prestigious Sant Kabir Handloom Award 2025, the highest national recognition for handloom artisans.

Prafulla Kumar Sahoo of Jagatsinghpur will be conferred the National Handloom Award 2025.

The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

In total, 22 awards will be distributed this year, including three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards, recognising excellence in weaving, design, marketing, startups, and producer organisations.

The event will also witness the release of four commemorative postage stamps celebrating India’s diverse handloom traditions.

National Handloom Day, observed annually on August 7, commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 and highlights the artistry and resilience of India’s handloom sector.