By — Dilip Guha
Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile event, opened on Tuesday 14th July,2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the third edition of the showcase. India’s flagship global textile event, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marks the commencement of the world’s largest integrated textile value chain event with record national and international participation.
Shri Manoj Goel, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Khadi India Pavilion’ at Hall No. 10 of Bharat Tex 2026 and inspected the pavilion, interacting with exhibitors, artisans and representatives of Khadi institutions. Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textiles event, is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This pavilion, set up by KVIC, showcases an extensive range of Khadi and Village Industries products, design-led innovations, and exclusive collections presented by Khadi institutions from across the country. During his visit, Shri Goel interacted with representatives of Khadi institutions and artisans from different states, gaining insights into their experiences and innovations. Senior officials and employees of KVIC and the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) were also present on the occasion.
To mention, the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), established in 2021 by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), serves as a design and innovation hub for the khadi sector. CoEK works closely with Khadi Institutions across India to develop contemporary products, strengthen design capabilities, and build new narratives around Khadi through innovation, branding, storytelling, and market-oriented interventions.
Shri Manoj Goel explored a wide range of Khadi home linen and home décor products, contemporary apparel, innovation-driven Khadi products, and traditional tools used in Khadi production. He remarked that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khadi—the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi—has transcended its traditional identity as a fabric to become a powerful emblem of India’s rich heritage, self-reliance, sustainability, and the empowerment of millions of rural artisans.
The Chairman paid special attention to the ‘Mula’ Jamdani saree and apparel collection showcased by the Ghoranash Silk Khadi Gramodyog Samiti of West Bengal.
Mula is a women’s wear collection inspired by the geometric forms of Tantra art, reinterpreted through the intricate craft of Jamdani weaving. Circles, triangles, and bindu-inspired motifs create rhythmic patterns that reflect balance and harmony. The collection features saris, dresses, and coordinated ensembles with clean, minimal silhouettes, allowing the woven textiles to take centre stage while blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
While interacting with the Ghoranash institution’s representatives, he appreciated their efforts to blend the traditional Jamdani weaving technique with contemporary design. He remarked that such innovations would play a significant role in establishing a new identity for Indian Khadi and handicrafts in the global market.
He said, today, it has become a powerful medium for realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Local to Global, and Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that Khadi is not merely a fabric but represents the livelihoods of millions of artisans and weavers, India’s cultural heritage, and its commitment to sustainable development.
Chairman, KVIC, stated that the Khadi India Pavilion demonstrates how, through research, design, and innovation, the ‘New Khadi of New India’ is being crafted to align with the preferences of the new generation and the requirements of the global market. Today, Khadi has expanded well beyond apparel and has established a distinct presence in contemporary lifestyle products and the global fashion industry.
Talking to this reporter, he said, “For Khadi—the picture is changing. What you see before you today is the new Khadi of a new India, a fresh look and vibrant avatar inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision in 2026. This is the living embodiment of his mantra: Khadi for Fashion, Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Transformation.
Across the country, people are embracing Khadi wholeheartedly. Our new products, new colors, and new packaging are proof that we are moving beyond ‘Vocal for Local’ to ‘Local to Global’. Through Khadi, we are showing the youth of India that Khadi is now truly ‘Fashion for Nation, Fashion for Transformation’.
This pavilion stands as a testament to the spirit of a changing Bharat—where tradition meets innovation, and where Khadi becomes not only a symbol of heritage but also a beacon of modern identity and global aspiration.”
This initiative aims to make Khadi aspirational and relevant to India’s youth while strengthening local artisans and taking the fabric to global markets.
The Khadi India Pavilion showcases the diverse dimensions of Khadi under the theme, “Khadi Reimagined: Tradition for Contemporary Living.”. Among the key highlights of the pavilion are contemporary home décor products, innovations based on indigenous fibres, displays of traditional Khadi tools, and an exclusive range of new Khadi products developed for the younger generation under the theme “Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Khadi – Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion, Khadi for Transformation.”
In a statement, Shri Goyal said that the Khadi and Village Industries sector has achieved unprecedented progress as a result of the visionary thinking and policies of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During the financial year 2025–26, the sector recorded a turnover of over ₹1.87 lakh crore, while providing employment to more than 2.04 crore people across the country. He expressed confidence that the sustained growth of the Khadi and Village Industries sector would enable it to achieve a turnover of ₹2.51 lakh crore in the coming years.
Bharat Tex 2026 is being held from 14 to 17 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The global event has brought together thousands of buyers, industry leaders, designers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from India and abroad. Through the Khadi India Pavilion, KVIC is effectively showcasing India’s rich Khadi heritage, innovation, design excellence, and commitment to sustainable development before a global audience.
