At 'Vastra Katha' CM Rekha urges Delhiites to wear handloom with pride

From Banarasi sarees and Punjabi suits to khadi office wear and Western silhouettes, 'Vastra Katha' — an exhibition of Indian handloom — brought the country’s textile diversity into focus on Wednesday at The Ashok, Chanakyapuri.

Organised by the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board, the day-long event served as a prelude to National Handloom Day (August 7), celebrating India’s rich weaving traditions through an exhibition and fashion show. Twenty-four curated stalls featured GI-tagged handloom and khadi products, including intricate Banarasis, Pashmina shawls, Tussar silk with Madhubani prints, Kancheepuram silks, Patola and more.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who inaugurated the event, urged residents to embrace handloom with pride. “We can express our love for the country simply by wearing our own fabric,” she said. “I invite every Delhiite to post their handloom outfits on social media, tag me and show support for Indian handloom.”

She emphasised local artisans deserve the same recognition as international brands. “We spend thousands on foreign labels, but our handloom is admired across the globe. It’s time we value our own,” she added.

Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed the sentiment, stating: “Our goal is to bring handloom into every household — not just as tradition, but as a fashion statement.” He also announced upcoming special collections by featured designers to further promote Indian textiles.

The event’s highlight was a multi-themed fashion show reimagining khadi and handloom for contemporary and global audiences. Segments such as 'Khadi – A Vedic Blessing', 'Bharat – Unity in Diversity' and 'Khadi Goes International' showcased the versatility of traditional fabrics. Student designers from Satyam Fashion Institute presented 'Delhi Marches Ahead' blending khadi with modern office wear.