Handloom Day 2025: 10 Indian cities known for their unique weaving traditions
This Handloom Day 2025, travel through 10 Indian cities where weaving traditions are still alive and thriving — from Banarasi silk to Manipuri phaneks.
Every thread tells a story — and in India, some of the most beautiful stories are woven, not written. Celebrated every year on August 7, National Handloom Day honours the country’s skilled weavers and the rich heritage they carry forward. In 2025, why not mark the occasion by exploring the roots of India’s vibrant handloom traditions? From ancient ghats to colourful bazaars, these 10 Indian cities showcase weaving not just as a craft, but as a living expression of culture, community, and timeless artistry. (Image: Canva)
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1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Where Banarasi Dreams Begin Wander through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, and you’ll hear the rhythmic clack of looms. Home to the iconic Banarasi silk, this ancient city blends Mughal motifs with divine craftsmanship. A Banarasi saree isn’t just attire — it’s heirloom. (Image: Canva)
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2. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu – The Silk Capital of the South Gold threads, temple borders, and colours that dazzle — welcome to Kanchipuram, where every saree is a piece of wearable art. Kanjeevaram weavers have kept this 400-year-old tradition alive, one luxurious yard at a time. (Image: Canva)
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3. Bhuj, Gujarat – Where Every Weave Tells a Story Bhuj isn’t just about mirrors and mud houses — it’s a living museum of Kutchi handlooms. From vibrant extra-weft weaves to traditional Ajrakh prints, the artisans here pour their history and identity into every design. (Image: Canva)
4. Sambalpur, Odisha – Ikat’s Most Colourful Canvas Ever seen a design that’s dyed into the yarn before it’s even woven? That’s the magic of Sambalpuri ikat. Step into Sambalpur, and you’ll find colours that defy convention and patterns that whisper folklore. (Image: Odisha Tourism)
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5. Pochampally, Telangana – Geometry Meets Tradition A UNESCO-listed heritage, Pochampally ikat is where symmetry meets soul. Just 50 km from Hyderabad, this quiet village is buzzing with weavers who create striking patterns that have found fans from Tokyo to Paris. (Image: Canva)
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6. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh – Light as Air, Rich in Heritage Delicate, translucent, and effortlessly elegant — Chanderi sarees are perfect for those who love understated luxury. The town’s charm lies not just in its fabric but in its fort, lakes, and timeless silence. (Image: Canva)
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7. Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh – Threads of Royalty Set by the tranquil Narmada, Maheshwar is where spirituality meets style. Its trademark Maheshwari sarees are known for their reversible borders and soft cotton-silk blend. Bonus: You might just catch a weaver in action at the Rehwa Society. (Image: Canva)
8. Mysuru, Karnataka – Smooth as Silk Known for its palaces and Dasara celebrations, Mysuru also weaves a legacy of royal elegance with its shimmering silk sarees. Visit the KSIC factory for a behind-the-scenes look at how these beauties are born — from cocoon to loom. (Image: Canva)
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9. Murshidabad, West Bengal – Tales in Thread Once the seat of Nawabs, Murshidabad still weaves stories through its legendary Baluchari sarees, often depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. A textile with a tale? Yes, please. (Image: Canva)
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10. Imphal, Manipur – The Weave of the Hills In Manipur, handloom is a symbol of pride and resilience. From vibrant Phaneks to elegant Rani Phi, the women-led weaving traditions here are nothing short of inspiring. Visit local markets and meet the artisans — their hospitality is as warm as their textiles. (Image: Canva)
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Why You Should Travel for Handlooms Because it’s more than fashion. It’s about supporting livelihoods, preserving culture, and witnessing centuries-old artistry first-hand. So, this Handloom Day 2025, pack a bag and let India’s threads lead your journey. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
