National Handloom Day falls on August 7 every year—yep, it’s a moment to honor the weavers and all the magic of hand‑woven fabrics. More importantly, it’s become a day when Bollywood’s leading ladies quietly (but beautifully) show the world how sustainable style can look downright dazzling.
Let me walk you through some of the most inspiring handloom commitments from the celebs we all love.
1. Alia Bhatt: Youthful Vibes with Jamdani & Chanderi Weaves
Alia Bhatt is young, bold, and fashion‑forward—but she keeps it rooted. She’s often spotted in Jamdani or Chanderi sarees that stand out for their soft elegance and delicate hand‑woven feel. It’s not just a look—it’s a statement. And she’s said it herself: sustainable fashion is her responsibility, not a trend. She sees hand‑woven textiles as classic meets modern on her red‑carpet mile.
2. Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Pushing Handloom Global
Priyanka Chopra doesn’t just wear sustainable fashion—she takes it global. She’s given major shout‑outs to Banarasi and Chikankari, putting Indian handlooms on the international map and showing that heirloom‑level garments deserve far‑reaching attention.
3. Janhvi Kapoor: A Cherished Heirloom Saree
Some fashion moves are ultra‑personal. Janhvi Kapoor shared that her mother Sridevi’s handloom saree is her most treasured piece. She posted it on National Handloom Day, calling out weavers as “truly unmatched in skill and creativity” and tagging #vocal4handmade in a sweet, heartfelt tribute.
4. Dia Mirza & Others: Conscious Glam All the Way
- Dia Mirza, known for her environmental advocacy (she’s even a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador), is a regular in eco‑friendly, hand‑woven saris.
- Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, Taapsee Pannu, Sonam Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty—they all have their own way of championing handloom, whether it’s through sarees at events or social‑media nods for sustainable fabrics.
These divas are proof that traditional weaves can shine on red carpets and social feeds alike.
Why This Matters: More Than Just Pretty Drape
Bollywood isn’t just setting fashion trends—they’re amplifying awareness. When the biggest stars choose handloom, it helps folks recognize what’s at stake: artisan livelihoods, cultural heritage, and an eco‑friendly choice that takes us beyond disposable fashion.
National Handloom Day shines a light on India’s textile roots. For instance, in Madhya Pradesh, NID in Bhopal hosted a multi‑day event featuring Kosa silk, Baluchari, Chanderi, Maheshwari textiles woven live by master weavers. Schools and design institutes came together, showing how tradition and creativity collide beautifully.
And the big picture? Handloom isn’t niche—it’s thriving. In Gujarat alone, kala cotton has made a fierce comeback, reviving 14 villages, 850 looms, and boosting weaver income by over fourfold in some cases. It’s a sign that sustainable fashion can also be economically powerful.
A Hand‑woven Invitation
If Bollywood’s handloom love teaches us anything, it’s this: sustainability never looked so stunning or felt so meaningful. Whether you’re in a Jamdani sari at a festival—or just rocking a hand‑loom kurta in your day‑to‑day—you’re making a style choice with substance.
Think of handloom not as a trend, but as a legacy. This National Handloom Day (and beyond), pick fabrics that tell a story—your outfit can be both gorgeous and grounded.
