To commemorate National Handloom Day, our school organized a series of educational and hands-on activities designed to foster appreciation for India’s rich handloom heritage. The celebration aimed to instill cultural awareness and creativity among students, especially focusing on the traditional crafts of Kerala.

Activity 1: Making of Nettipattom (Elephant Caparison) 
The first activity involved the making of Nettipattom, a traditional decorative ornament used on elephants during temple festivals in Kerala. The workshop was enthusiastically attended by students of Class 8, who engaged in crafting miniature versions of the caparison.

Activity 2: Educational Visit to Chendamangalam Handloom Village 
The second activity was a field trip to the Chendamangalam Handloom Weaving Centre, located in North Paravur. Known for its historical importance and preservation of traditional weaving techniques, Chendamangalam offered students a firsthand look into the meticulous process of handloom weaving.

Learning Outcomes

Cultural Awareness: Students gained an appreciation for Kerala’s handloom traditions and understood their significance in India’s cultural identity. 
Creative Skills: The Nettipattom-making activity encouraged originality and refined students’ crafting abilities. 
Empathy and Respect: Visiting the weaving village helped students recognize the hard work and skill involved in handmade textiles, fostering respect for traditional artisans. 
Interdisciplinary Learning: The activities connected art, history, and economics, offering a holistic learning experience beyond the classroom.

Reflection 
Celebrating Handloom Day through these meaningful activities allowed students to engage with traditional crafts not just as observers, but as participants. The blend of creativity and field exposure made the experience enriching and memorable. It reinforced the value of sustaining our indigenous crafts and the importance of supporting local artisans. 
As a school, we believe such immersive programs are crucial in nurturing responsible, culturally aware, and skilled individuals.

Conclusion 
The Handloom Day activities were successful in achieving their educational objectives and were well-received by the participants.