Khadi trendy avatar ready to compete

VARANASI: A favourite of Indian politicians, khadi has now reinvented itself to an all new trendy avatar and is ready to give a stiff competition to other fabrics of fashion brands. This year's state-level khadi exhibition will focus on latest fashion trends and witness an array of trendy readymade khadi garments – from jeans to designer saris -- and agro products by the village industries.
The 15-day state-level Khadi exhibition will be organized at the divisional office of Khadi and Gramodyog Commission at Teliabagh from Thursday. “The aim of the exhibition is to promote khadi by presenting it in a never-seen-before look so that the perception that it is only meant for politicians and elderly people is dispelled. With this, we want people to know that khadi can be worn not only on specific occasions but on all occasions,” said deputy director, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), AP Jaiswal.
The exhibition focuses on all the latest fashion trends and there will be varieties of designer saris in khadi -- from pure khadi to silk khadi -- which will be a great comfort wear for women. Moreover, stylish khadi tops, khadi kurtas for men and women as well as khadi jeans and other items will be on sale for people,” he said, adding that in view of the increase in demand for ready-made garments, suits, shirts, trousers as per the latest fashion trends will also be available.
Khadi has seen a radical change over the years. It is not only about style but also comfort. With the help of such exhibitions much needed awareness regarding khadi will be spread and will also boost the village industries, he said. “Such exhibitions provide a forum for interaction between consumers and rural craftsmen to enhance awareness of quality of products available. Though government is taking every measure to promote village industries in order to generate employment for unemployed, it will not yield required results if there is no market for these products,” he said.
Various schemes and training programme adopted by the khadi industry in weaving, designing, food processing, packaging and promotional activities are serving the khadi industry to survive and stand competition with contemporary world.
According to Jaiswal, over 75 stalls have been created at the exhibition for 36 khadi organizations and 25 rural industry organizations. “The organizations from all the four divisions including Gorakhpur, Meerut, Lucknow and Varanasi along with units of khadi and rural industries from different states have participated in the exhibition. Varieties of designer khadi, silk, woolen and other textiles will be displayed,” he said. He added, “This year the exhibition got delayed by a few months due to delay in approval from Mumbai-based Khadi head office. Had it been held during December or January, the organizations would have been able to display the trendy woolen items as well, boosting the sales.”
Apart from the exhibition and sales, cultural events will also be held. Also, a live demonstration of yarn-making, incense and candle-making, food processing and pottery making will be held every day in the evening.