PM Modi highlighted Tripura’s traditional Risa on National Handloom Day, giving national recognition to the state’s indigenous handloom heritage. Agriculture Minister Ratanlal Nath welcomed the gesture, urging citizens to support local weavers, artisans, Swadeshi products, and India’s vibrant weaving traditions.
Tripura’s traditional Risa, one of the most treasured symbols of the state’s indigenous identity and handloom excellence, has received unprecedented national recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the iconic handwoven garment on the occasion of National Handloom Day. The Prime Minister’s gesture has sparked immense pride across Tripura, bringing renewed attention to the state’s rich weaving traditions and the invaluable contribution of its artisans.
The recognition is being viewed as a significant milestone for Tripura’s indigenous communities, whose cultural identity has long been reflected through the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the Risa. Traditionally woven by indigenous women, the Risa is more than just a garment; it represents history, heritage, identity, and the artistic legacy of the tribal communities of the state.
Welcoming the Prime Minister’s initiative, Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratanlal Nath expressed heartfelt gratitude for bringing the state’s cultural treasure to the national stage. He said it was a matter of immense pride for every resident of Tripura that the Prime Minister chose to showcase and promote the traditional Risa, acknowledging its importance as one of the most cherished symbols of the state’s indigenous heritage.
Nath emphasized that the recognition would inspire greater appreciation for Tripura’s handloom sector while creating new opportunities for local weavers and artisans. He appealed to citizens to actively support the handloom industry by purchasing and wearing locally woven products and embracing the spirit of Swadeshi.
Encouraging public participation, the minister also urged people to share photographs and “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos featuring their favourite handloom attire on social media. He said such campaigns would not only celebrate India’s diverse textile traditions but also provide greater visibility to artisans whose livelihoods depend on the handloom industry.
“On behalf of the people of Tripura, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for promoting our cultural heritage and inspiring the nation to support local artisans,” Nath said while welcoming the initiative.
In his National Handloom Day message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India’s generations of weavers and artisans, describing the country’s handloom heritage as a remarkable reflection of their skill, creativity, dedication, and cultural richness. He reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to strengthening the handloom sector, describing it as an important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development, and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Our Government will keep supporting the handloom sector, which is an important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development and fulfilling the dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also encouraged citizens across the country to upload photographs and GRWM videos showcasing their favourite handloom products using the hashtag #NationalHandloomDay, stating that such participation would motivate countless weavers and artisans while encouraging wider appreciation of India’s traditional textile heritage.
A day before National Handloom Day, the Prime Minister had appealed especially to the youth to celebrate the occasion with the same enthusiasm as Friendship Day. He urged people to actively promote Indian handloom products and support the country’s weaving communities through conscious purchasing decisions.
Highlighting the historical significance of August 7, Modi recalled that the date marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 against British rule. He noted that promoting indigenous products remains an effective way to honour the spirit of self-reliance while empowering artisan families across the country.
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For Tripura, the Prime Minister’s recognition of the Risa represents far more than symbolic appreciation. It has elevated one of the state’s most iconic cultural emblems onto the national platform, opening fresh possibilities for the promotion of Tripura’s handloom products in domestic and international markets. The increased visibility is expected to strengthen the livelihoods of local weavers, encourage younger generations to preserve traditional weaving techniques, and further establish the Risa as a distinctive ambassador of Tripura’s indigenous culture and India’s rich handloom heritage.
