Story of the freedom fabric Khadi

With designers like Anavila Mishra, Soham Dave and Payal Pratap elegantly taking khadi to the ramp, we realise how khadi, the once trademark attire of politicians and philosophers has now transformed to become the people’s favourite. Handwoven, cruelty-free and versatile, khadi is a part of the nations’s consciousness. Marking Gandhi Jayanti and the country’s 70th year of Independence, The Crafts Council of India in association with Gandhigram Khadi and VIPC Trust will be conducting a week-long celebration of khadi at CCI’s Kamala Craft Shop.

“Our country has a heritage of rich skills that not many people are aware of and hence haven’t made it to the mainstream market. Through this event, we want people to be aware of that potential we have within our country,”says Gita Ram, the chairperson of CCI. The event will showcase khadi sarees and materials—both plain and printed in a wide range of designs and colours.“A lot of people these days opt khadi as it is eco-friendly, breezy and at the same time different from plain cotton. Khadi now seems to be part of a slow fashion movement where handspun textiles are preferred over factory-made ones,” Gita shared.

In shades of red, blue and green, the saris on view will have block prints, checks, lines and patterns of leaves and various geometrical shapes on them.  While mentioning that the materials with black block prints on white fabric being the highlight of the collection, Gita hinted that you can’t find anything too bright or fluorescent in the showcase. Providing a platform for over 2000 artisans from across India by showcasing their work, Kamala was opened in Chennai earlier this year. “We don’t have made-ups in our collection but only unstitched clothes. Our aim is to promote khadi. There is no point in just having a promo and not having the collection stay in the shop,” Gita said while adding that the khadi line, once established, will be taken to the other Kamala shops as well.

`2,500 upwards. October 3-10. At Kamala store. Details: 2819145