NIFT Daman Showcases Tangalia and Patola Design Innovations During Handloom Week

Student-led field research highlights contemporary applications of Gujarat’s traditional handloom crafts

In observance of Handloom Week, the Department of Textile Design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Daman presented an exhibition featuring design work developed through extensive field research conducted in the heritage textile clusters of Surendranagar, Gujarat.

As part of their academic curriculum and efforts to support traditional crafts, Textile Design students from NIFT undertook a 10-day field research programme from July 1st to July 10th. The students were divided into five specialised groups and worked closely within the artisan clusters of Surendranagar, focusing on the traditional Tangalia and Patola weaving techniques.

The exhibition featured prototypes created by the students, incorporating contemporary colour palettes, updated motif applications and new product variations. These developments were aimed at broadening the commercial scope of Tangalia and Patola textiles while maintaining their authentic weave structures.

An important feature of the Handloom Week programme was a dedicated Chaupal, organised as an interactive platform to connect the student designers with master artisans from the Tangalia and Patola weaving communities. The discussions centred on market integration, sustainable production practices, design feasibility and the technical challenges experienced by local weavers.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Khushal Jangid, Director of NIFT Daman, highlighted the outcomes of the programme:

"The craft visit has given very fruitful results, demonstrating how research-backed design interventions can create value for traditional weaving communities. NIFT will continue supporting such initiatives to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern market demands while empowering our local artisans."