SAREE SHASTRA Celebrates India’s Handloom Heritage on National Handloom Day
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Three-day exhibition in New Delhi showcases handwoven, hand-painted, embroidered and GI-verified textiles from across India
SAREE SHASTRA | साड़ी शस्त्र, an art historical exhibition focused on India’s handloom tradition, was inaugurated on 7 August 2026 at the Art Gallery, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, marking National Handloom Day. Organised by Shikha’s Kariigarii, the exhibition presents the saree as an expression of India’s history, heritage and cultural legacy through craftsmanship.
The exhibition brings together handwoven, hand-painted, embroidered and GI-verified textiles from different regions of India while highlighting the contribution of women, weavers and artisans to the country’s textile traditions.
SAREE SHASTRA Highlights India’s Textile Heritage
The exhibition was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, in the presence of Mrs. Hema Somanathan, President, Indian Administrative Service Officers’ Wives Association (IASOWA), as Guest of Honour, and Shri K. N. Shrivastava, Director, India International Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Raksha Khadse appreciated the exhibition’s efforts to celebrate India’s living handloom traditions passed down through generations by weavers and artisans. She highlighted the role of crafts and traditions in strengthening the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by bringing together diverse cultural identities from different regions, while also emphasising the promotion of Swadeshi and India’s self-reliant cultural traditions.
Mrs. Hema Somanathan highlighted the connection between women and Indian art forms, noting that SAREE SHASTRA seeks to narrate stories of strength, resilience and pride associated with every saree.
Shri K. N. Shrivastava appreciated the efforts of Shikha Ajmera, Founder of Shikha’s Kariigarii, in creating a platform through SAREE SHASTRA for the preservation and celebration of India’s art forms.
Exhibition Pays Tribute to Artisans and Weavers
SAREE SHASTRA places emphasis on the contribution of women, artists, weavers and artisans whose creativity and craftsmanship have shaped India’s textile heritage.
Shikha Ajmera, Founder of Shikha’s Kariigarii, said, “Shikha’s Kariigarii has had the opportunity to showcase its work on several platforms; however, getting the opportunity to organise this exhibition at India International Centre holds a very special place for us. It is not just about showcasing the brand, but also about paying tribute to the hard work, skill and craftsmanship of countless artists, weavers and artisans whose contributions have made India a global destination for textile heritage.”
The exhibition also reflects on the relationship between the saree, women’s identity and empowerment. Smt. Raksha Khadse said, “Every drape of a saree tells a story of women’s struggle, equality, empowerment, dignity and pride.”
Curator-Led Walks, Panels and Artisan Demonstrations
Curated by Aditya K. Jha, Art Historian and Curator, the three-day exhibition will continue until 9 August 2026. The programme includes curator-led gallery walks, panel discussions, live hand-painting showcases by artisans, and interactions with artisans and scholars.
The scheduled panel discussions include:
Day 2 | Saturday, 8 August 2026 | 6:00 PM
Featuring Dr. Karan Singh – Former Union Minister of India; Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS – Managing Director, ITDC; and Ms. Bandana Preyashi, IAS – Joint Secretary, Department of Fertilizers.
Day 3 | Sunday, 9 August 2026 | 6:00 PM
Featuring Mrs. Amrit Raj – Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); Dr. M. Beena – Development Commissioner (Handlooms); and Ms. Promil Pande – Dean, School of Design, UID, GD Goenka University.
SAREE SHASTRA is being organised in association with the National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, with the stated aim of increasing awareness of Indian textiles and recognising the artists and communities contributing to the country’s cultural heritage.