: Mumbai, August 8, 2024

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Mumbai celebrated the 10th National Handloom Day with great enthusiasm on August 7, 2024. This day, dedicated to promoting handloom products and raising awareness about the importance of the handloom industry, honoured the weaving community for their significant contributions to the Indian rural economy and efforts to preserve Indian heritage. To mark this special occasion, NIFT Mumbai organized "Hastavem," an exhibition of Handloom Textiles at its Kharghar campus. The exhibition showcased a curated collection from the Resource Centre, highlighting the diverse and exquisite handloom products created by artisans.

The event was formally inaugurated by by Shri Vijay Deshmukh, Additional Collector and Chief Land and Survey Officer of Navi Mumbai and Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua, Director of NIFT Mumbai, in presence of other distinguished guests. Shri Deshmukh appreciated NIFT's role in uplifting the craft sector, particularly through the Craft Cluster initiative, and emphasized the positive impact of the students' and officials' dedication on artisans' livelihoods. Prof. Dr. Sharmila Dua stated that even small efforts can create meaningful change in the handloom industry. A ‘Handloom Pakhwara’ in ongoing it the Kharghar campus since August 1, 2024, wherein all officers, faculty members and students are encouraged to participate by wearing handloom-made clothes till August 15, 2024.

"Hastavem 2024" is the second edition of this exhibition, building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023. As part of the event, a catalogue from the first edition was released, providing a comprehensive overview of the handloom creations displayed last year. This catalogue documents the previous event and serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing the evolution and continuity of handloom traditions. Its release underscores NIFT Mumbai's commitment to preserving and promoting handloom heritage while providing a platform for innovative designs within this traditional craft.

The highlight of Handloom Day was the Fashion Ramp Walk titled "Hastavem: A Living Tradition" where students, faculty, and officials showcased the rich tradition of handloom textiles through their attire. The ramp walk featured the Chief Guest Shri Vijay Deshmukh, Additional Collector and CLSO of Navi Mumbai, as a special guest participant. The jury for the fashion show included Ms. Bandita Patro, who is an internationally certified and accredited Image Management Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer, and Wardrobe Stylist. She praised NIFT Mumbai for excellently demonstrating handloom fashion and styling and emphasized the importance of both what to wear and how to wear it. The brand SUTA sponsored three handloom saris for the fashion show winners.

In addition, NIFT Mumbai organized a selfie contest, "Meri Sanskriti Meri Pehchan" for all students, staff, and faculty. Participants styled themselves in handloom products of India and captured creative selfies. This contest aimed to engage fashion-conscious youth, increase social media presence, and raise global awareness of India's rich traditions of indigenous handloom. Winners received prizes and souvenirs, promoting the use of handloom products with great enthusiasm. The celebration also included a special exhibition showcasing extensive research and documentation efforts by various departments in the field of traditional handloom crafts. This display honoured the rich heritage of handloom weaving, highlighted the significance of preserving these age-old crafts, and promoted ongoing efforts to sustain this vital cultural practice. The Craft Research & Documentation (CRD) display featured work by the Textile Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories, Fashion Design, and Bachelor of Fashion Technology departments. This display is open until August 15, 2024, allowing students and visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and research involved.

NIFT Mumbai's Handloom Day celebration aimed to effective raise awareness about the significance of handloom textiles and promote their use among the younger generation. The events showcased NIFT's commitment to preserving and celebrating traditional crafts while integrating them into modern fashion education.

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SC/ Source: NIFT Mumbai

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