The father of nation mahatma Gandhi said: “it is not enough to say that hand spinning is one of the industries to be revived. It is necessary to insist that it is the central industry that must engage our attention if we are to re-establish the village home”
Khadi, which is generally hailed as one of the oldest fabric of independent India, has found a new place in the modern world. Khadi is very closely associated with India’s freedom movement and it’s a matter of pride for every Indian. The khadi movement aimed at boycotting foreign goods including cotton and promoting Indian goods. Even after the independence khadi was associated with politics. Only political leaders and followers of Gandhiji were used to wear khadi. Khadi also known as ‘Khaddar’ is hand-spun and hand-woven material.
Khadi was meant to become a supplementary industry to agriculture, a crucial element in a self-sustaining economy. It greatly supports the rural artisans to earn their livelihood; thus, strengthening the rural economy. Though it is remembered as a fabric of freedom, it is still perceived as unfashionable by many especially youth. Acceptance of khadi as fashion fabric by well-known fashioners like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, has forced youth to take note of khadi fabric.
The versatile khadi fabric has the unique property of keeping the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. On washing, it is more enhanced, the more you wash it, and the better is the look. Fashion designers and consumers alike are drawn to its story, artisanal root and sustainability.
Blog by:-
Ms. Pooja Somvanshi
Assistant Professor, Biyani Girls College
Department of Fashion Design
