Delhi today witnessed a grand celebration of India’s weaving heritage with Vastra Katha 2025, a special event organised to mark National Handloom Day. The event, held at Ashoka Hotel, featured a day-long exhibition of India’s finest handloom and khadi products, followed by a spectacular fashion show showcasing the strength, beauty, and sustainability of indigenous fabrics.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to the people of Delhi to embrace handloom as a matter of pride and patriotism. She said, “We can express our love for our country by just wearing our own fabric. The Prime Minister’s Vocal for Local vision has shown us why we must invest in our nation’s heritage – Khadi, its weavers, and the lakhs of workers in this industry. From Jammu & Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, every state has a fabric that tells its own story. I proudly wear handloom sarees from different states, and I want all sisters of Delhi to join me in embracing our culture.”
She added, “We spend thousands on foreign brands without knowing that our own handloom makes the world drool. I invite every Delhiite to post their handloom outfits on social media, tag me, and support Indian handloom. Together, we can strengthen our economy, support our artisans, and celebrate our heritage.”
Industries Minister Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while thanking the designers and artisans, said, “Our goal is to bring handloom into every household, not just as a tradition but as a fashion icon. The work done here today will be talked about across Delhi and beyond.” He further announced that special handloom collections by the featured designers will soon be launched to further promote the craft.
A Celebration of India’s Textile Heritage
The exhibition featured 24 unique stalls from across India, displaying GI-tagged textiles, live weaving demonstrations, and intricate embroidery. Visitors experienced the legacy of India’s weaving culture through exhibits such as real zari Banarasi sarees by Mohammad Salam Ansari, Kancheepuram and Mysore silks by Mohan Varghese, Ladakh’s Pashmina, Telangana’s Ikat, Meghalaya’s Eri Silk, Nagaland’s Chagan Masi shawl, Bihar’s Tassar silk with Madhubani prints, and Gujarat’s Patola and Double Ikat. Sustainable fabrics made of hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton also gained attention for their eco-friendly appeal.
Artisans thanked the Delhi Government for giving them a platform to showcase their work. Mohammad Saleh Ansari said, “Our families have preserved this craft for generations. This platform has given us pride and recognition.” Mohan Varghese added, “Some sarees take an entire year to weave with handcrafted threads of silver and gold. Displaying them here is an honor for us.”
Spectacular Fashion Show as the Grand Highlight
The evening concluded with a specially curated fashion show celebrating the journey of Khadi and handloom from ancient roots to modern global trends. Themed segments included:
• “Khadi – A Vedic Blessing” showcasing handspun fabrics inspired by India’s rishi-muni traditions.
• “Bharat – Unity in Diversity” featuring sarees from Gujarat, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya.
• “Punjab de Rang Khushiyon de Sang” by Satyam Fashion Institute celebrating Punjab’s vibrant hues.
• “Delhi Marches Ahead” presenting handloom ready to enter corporate corridors.
• “Banarasi Shringaar” highlighting the eternal charm of Banarasi sarees.
• “The Nine Yards Wander” showcasing drapes from nine states including West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• “Khadi & Handloom Goes International” by Samant Chauhan, portraying indigenous fabrics in global silhouettes.
Renowned designers Rahul Mishra, Sanjay Garg, Gaurav Shah, Reena Dhaka, and Vijay Mathur were felicitated for their contribution to taking Khadi to international platforms.
