12th National Handloom Day 2026: Special Handloom Exhibition Begins at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai

The 12th National Handloom Day 2026 celebrations are being held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, with a special handloom exhibition showcasing traditional textiles from Tamil Nadu and other states.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, who also launched the Handloom Exhibition 2026 and the ‘Vetri Thari’ sales outlet operated by Co-optex.

During the event, the Chief Minister presented cash awards and certificates of appreciation worth ₹22.25 lakh to 11 weavers and designers selected for the State-level Best Weaver and Designer Awards for 2025–26.

Handloom Exhibition in Chennai Till August 13

The special handloom exhibition will be open for seven days until August 13, 2026. Visitors can purchase a wide range of traditional handloom products made by cooperative societies of Tamil Nadu.

The exhibition features popular Kanchipuram, Arani and Thirubuvanam silk sarees, Coimbatore Kota cotton sarees, Negamam cotton sarees, Salem white silk dhotis and various home textile products.

Handloom products from other states, including Tantuja, Mrignayani, Gujjar, and Pionika, are also being displayed and sold at the exhibition.

‘Vetri Thari’ Sales Outlet

To promote and market weavers` products, Co-optex has established the ‘Vetri Thari’ sales outlet with support from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

The exhibition aims to promote traditional handloom products, provide better market opportunities for weavers and encourage the public to support India`s rich handloom heritage.