In honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday anniversary, here’s how the leader eternalized khadi as it continues to run the mill even today and hold on, it is more than a fabric – it is an idea.
In the course of long history, there have been few to none fibers that have upsurged a meaning as big as this fiber. Khadi, also known as khaddar, is not just a clothing fiber popular all over India, Pakistan or Bangladesh. It’s a providence of freedom, a symbol of resilience. Mahatma Gandhi was the one that realized the potentials of khaddar and used it as a tool to propagate his message of Swaraj and Swadeshi.
Today, khadi goes way beyond those struggles of independence.
WHAT IS KHADI?
Khadi is a hand-woven natural fiber cloth that’s primarily made out of cotton but also from wool and silk. The more you wash khadi, the better it feels and looks. Also, khadi’s warm when worn in winter and cool when in summers! Isn’t that hot information, so cool!
KHADI – THE EVERCHANGING EVERGREEN
Back in the days, Gandhi had vehemently encouraged the idea that cotton can be grown and spun into clothes and one doesn’t need to cash on outsider exorbitant items. Khadi had a texture to it – a dull white pristine one – but because patriotism and sustainability were attached to this cloth, the Indian mass accepted it with much pride and ease. Khadi then continued to depict beauty and bravery.
Today, khadi is a growing spur among people and the fashion sphere. While it represented struggle, today it denotes the evolving India. The same cloth that was once only white is now spun in various unique colors as well as designs and patterns. Today, khadi acts a staple in many wardrobes due to its vibrant hues, lighter-than-ever texture, and the fact that it’s sustainable for the environment.
The simplicity that khadi carries is another note to mention since many festivals, events, parties and occasions are now sporting more and more people wearing
khadi, men and women alike.
Fashion aficionados such as Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre and Anju Modi have many times showcased khadi as part of their runway collections. Brands like 11.11 and Bunosilo are invested in khadi while others like The Pot Plant, Mumbai Bicycle and Olio are constantly promoting with their bright khadi apparels.
If you think khadi is only restricted to clothes, you couldn’t have been more wrong. Khadicult.com has a whole line of items from cushion covers and earrings to maachis chairs while at KOOVS you’ll find shoes available in khadi.
Stylish, crisp, and worn in so many forms, khadi is also going from local to global. Many countries like South Africa, Australia, Germany, and the US have outspoken their demand for the Khadi cloth. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission has also partnered with these countries to open gateways for this fiber.
All in all, the underlying sentiment that Gandhi had given to khadi continues to exist even today, be it giving style or a voice. The passion is now colored with vibrancy and more and more people across the world are accepting this traditional clothing.
