Mumbai, August 7, 2024 – On August 7, 2024, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Mumbai enthusiastically observed the tenth National Handloom Day. This day, which aims to promote handloom goods and increase public awareness of the handloom industry’s significance, honored the weaving community for its noteworthy contributions to the rural economy of India and its efforts to protect Indian cultural heritage. All officers, faculty members, and students participated in the Handloom Pakhwara, which takes place from August 1 to August 15, 2024, by dressing in handloomed clothing.
At its Kharghar campus, NIFT Mumbai hosted “Hastavem,” an exhibition of handloom textiles, to commemorate this momentous event. The Resource Center’s carefully chosen collection was on display at the exhibition, showcasing the fine and varied handloom goods made by craftspeople. With notable visitors Mr. Vijay Deshmukh, Additional Collector and Chief Land & Survey Officer of Navi Mumbai, and Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua, Director of NIFT Mumbai, the event was formally opened with the lighting of the lamp. Mr. Deshmukh highlighted the beneficial effects of the students’ and authorities’ commitment on the livelihoods of artists and expressed gratitude for NIFT’s contribution in advancing the craft industry, notably through the Craft Cluster program.
The exhibition “Hastavem 2024” is the second iteration, continuing the popularity of the first one that opened in 2023. A first edition catalogue that gave a thorough rundown of the handloom masterpieces on show the previous year was issued as part of the event. This catalog, which shows the development and continuation of handloom traditions, serves as a source of inspiration and documentation of the previous event. Its release demonstrates NIFT Mumbai’s dedication to protecting and promoting the history of handlooms while offering a venue for cutting-edge designs within this age-old art.
The Fashion Ramp Walk, “Hastavem: A Living Tradition,” was the focal point of Handloom Day. Through their clothing, officials, educators, and students displayed the rich history of handloom textiles. As a special guest participant in the ramp walk was Mr. Vijay Deshmukh, Additional Collector and CLSO of Navi Mumbai. Ms. Bandita Patro, the founder of Mundilal Image and a globally trained and accredited image management consultant, wardrobe stylist, and soft skills trainer, was on the fashion show jury. She stressed the significance of knowing both what to wear and how to wear it, and she commended NIFT Mumbai for their outstanding demonstration of handloom fashion and styling.
Furthermore, all students, staff, and teachers were invited to participate in the “Meri Sanskriti Meri Pehchan,” a selfie competition, hosted by NIFT Mumbai. Participants took artistic selfies while dressing in Indian handloom items. The objectives of this tournament were to draw in young people who are interested in fashion, boost social media presence, and improve awareness of India’s unique indigenous handloom traditions worldwide. The winners enthusiastically encouraged the usage of handloom items by giving them awards and mementos. A unique exhibition featuring comprehensive research and documentation efforts by multiple departments in the subject of traditional handloom crafts was also a part of the event.
The Handloom Day ceremony at NIFT Mumbai was a huge success, effectively bringing attention to the importance of handloom textiles and encouraging younger people to utilize them. The activities demonstrated NIFT’s dedication to maintaining and honoring customary crafts while incorporating them into contemporary fashion education.
