UPITS 2024: ‘Khadi Fashion Show’ Celebrates Indian Textile Heritage

GREATER NOIDA: The third day of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Fair (UPITS) 2024 in Greater Noida was marked by grand celebration of India’s rich textile heritage with the much-awaited ‘Khadi Fashion Show’ taking center stage on Friday evening.

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles and Rakesh Sachan, Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Khadi and Rural Industries, Sericulture, Handloom and Textiles, who visited the event, emphasized the importance of promoting Khadi and other traditional crafts in the national and national markets international.

Singh emphasized the importance of Khadi in the current world, saying, “Khadi is not just a fabric. It is a symbol of our independence and heritage. Thanks to initiatives like UPITS, we keep Khadi at the forefront of global fashion. This is a step towards empowering our artisans and creating a sustainable future for the textile industry.

Meanwhile, the show highlighted Khadi and traditional crafts, including chikankari saris and contemporary office wear, in the global market, an initiative that celebrates the rich textile heritage of Uttar Pradesh while promoting regional artisans and traditional industries internationally.

Models showcased the versatility of Khadi, reflecting its transformation from a symbol of the Indian independence movement into a contemporary fabric admired around the world.

With the participation of local craftsmen, entrepreneurs and international buyers, the fair continued to establish itself as a significant event in the global textile market.

“UP has a rich textile tradition and through UPITS, we showcase the skills of our artisans on a global platform. This event not only promotes Khadi but also encourages our youth to appreciate and support handmade, sustainable products. Our government is committed to providing opportunities to artisans to grow and prosper,” Sachan, Minister for MSME, Khadi & Village Industries, said on the occasion.

The show focused on promoting UP’s artisans and textile workers, positioning the state as a global leader in sustainable and traditional textiles. From office wear to holiday wear, the collection showcased the versatility of handwoven textiles.

“I am amazed at the evolution of Khadi. The designs are not only traditional but also extremely modern and it’s great to see how sustainable fashion can be so stylish,” said Ritika Mehta, a guest from Ghaziabad.

“Khadi is no longer just a traditional fabric. It has found its place in contemporary fashion around the world. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable clothing, and Khadi, with its natural fibers and cultural significance, is a perfect fit for today’s conscious consumers,” said Anamika Verma, designer and curator of UPITS 2024 Khadi Show.

The third day of UPITS 2024 not only celebrated Khadi but also served as a platform to promote the broader UP textile industry.

During the Khadi fashion show, not only fashion took center stage, but the unique pavilion titled ‘Al Ramayana Darshan’ also caught the attention of the visitors. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Cultural Department, this pavilion was a stunning blend of tradition and modernity, using AI-generated visuals to depict the ancient city of Ayodhya and key moments in the life of Lord Ram.

UPITS 2024 aims to promote the rich commercial and cultural heritage of UP with the participation of over 2,500 exhibitors from 80 countries, while serving as a B2B and B2C interaction platform showcasing diverse sectors.

There are around 2,000 stalls across various industries at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida at UPITS 2024. According to the organizers, as many as 15 rooms in the facility were intended to present various sectors and investments of UP.

The UPITS 2024 event, which runs until September 29, is free for the general public from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.