Khadi-The Pride Of India

d="body">types of apparels made from khadi silk are salwar
Introductionkameez, kurta pajama, saris, dupattas, shirts, vest and
Khadi is an Indian fabric. Khadi is also known byjackets. Apparels like kurta, jacket, sari blouses
another name 'Khaddar'. It is made by spinning therequires lining to be given to ensure its longetivity.
threads on an instrument known as 'Charkha'. DuringPreviously khadi was dyed in earthy color tones and
pre-independence era the movement of khadiwas used to make traditional garments but now
manufacturing gained momentum under the guidancedesigners are experimenting by dyeing khadi with
of father of nation Mahatma Gandhiji. This movementstriking colors like limegreen, violet, baby pink, turquoise
of khadi manufacturing and wearing started as toblue, etc. Stylish garments like mini skirts, halter neck
discourage the Indians from wearing of foreign clothes.tops, racer tops, tunics, etc are made from khadi.
Khadi before independence was considered as theKhadi is hand woven and hand spun fabric which
fabric for the political leaders and the rural people. Buttakes time to be made. It is mainly manufactured in
now it has found its way into the wardrobe of fashionrural areas of India. In previous times it was considered
conscious people. The current situation is that theas the fabric for the poor rural workers &
demand is more than the supply. Earlier the type offarmers. But wearing khadi is no more for the poor,
khadi available was khadi cotton which had verymany high profile personalities and economically sound
coarse texture and feel. However many varieties ofpeople prefer to wear it. It is considered as one of the
khadi like khadi silk, khadi wool and khadi cotton aremost beautiful Indian fabric. The khadi wearer gets a
available now, which makes it a fashionable fabric androyal and distinguishable look due to its fall and style. It
likeable by the masses.symbolizes luxury and uniqueness.
Its concept was developed by Mahatma Gandhi. ItGovernment Policies
was a symbol for political agendas during the fight forKhadi and village industries commission' is the Indian
independence in India against the British rule. It wasgovernment body which promotes the usage of khadi.
primarily a means to provide employment to theKhadi production and selling comes under the small
unemployed rural population of India at that time. Thescale industry sector. This government body was
Indian flag has to be also made from khadi material.created by an act which was passed by the
Thus it holds national importance, we could even call itParliament. This gave a boost to the khadi
the national fabric of India.manufacturing sector of India, as a result many new
Overviewoutlets of khadi gramodyog opened all over the
Khadi is a versatile fabric. It has the unique property ofcountry. These shops sell stitched as well as
keeping the wearer warm in winter as well as cool inunstitched khadi fabrics. Every year starting from the
summer season. This fabric has coarse texture anddate- 3rd October to January 29th all khadi
gets easily crumpled, therefore in order to keep it firmgramodyog bhavans provide discount to the public on
and stiff, starch is to be added. This fabric on washingvarious khadi products. It comes under the category of
is more enhanced thus the more you wash it, betterIndian handloom. This sector also generates
the look. Khadi is not easily worn out for yearsemployment for the rural population of India. Indian
together, at least for 4-5 years. Very attractive andgovernment conducts various exhibitions and trade
designer apparel are made by doing handwork onfairs in India and abroad to promote this fabric.
them garments made from it. Khadi spinning isThe small scale industries engaged in manufacturing of
generally done by girls and women and weavingkhadi gets economic redemption for the raw materials
mostly by men. During spinning of khadi the threadsand production costs by Indian government. According
are interwoven in such a manner that it providesto a recent survey done it provides employment to
passage of air circulation in the fabric. Apart from this14.97 lakhs of people, the total annual production of
unique property, it also provides warmth in winterkhadi is 111.49 million sq. mtrs.
season which is quite surprising factor.Khadi over the decades has moved from a freedom
Khadi cotton is required to be starched so that it doesfighter's identity fabric to a fashion garment. Today
not get easily crumpled. It comes in many colors and isthere is such an increasing demand for khadi that
not harmful to the skin as synthetic fabrics. This cottondespite of the thousands of workers involved in
is very soothing in summer season as ample amountspinning and producing khadi fabric, the demand of the
of air ventilation is there, it has the capacity to absorbmarket does not gets fulfilled.
moisture therefore it easily soaks the sweat andConclusion
keeps the wearer cool and dry. Khadi cotton comes inKhadi has gained worldwide appreciation as it is hand
plain as well as in printed fabrics. The most commonmade, durable, long lasting and organic in nature. The
outfit of made from khadi cotton is the'Kurta'. Manyfabric is produced by the masses for the masses. It is
types of apparel are manufactured from khadi cottonassociated with Gandhian philosophy as well as makes
like saris, salwar suits, fabric yarns, western tops, shirts,a fashion statement. Through the medium of khadi
trousers, skirts, handkerchief,etc. It is a very durableweaving, the weaver expresses art and designing by
fabric.the spindle and loom. It is widely accepted in the Indian
In khadi silk, the ratio of khadi and silk fabric is 50:50.fashion circle. Leading fashion designers now include it
This fabric requires dry cleaning. It shrinks about 3%in their collection by designing clothes with khadi
after the first wash. It is quite an expensive fabric.material. There is huge demand of it in international
Khadi silk provides a royal and rich look. The variousmarket, especially in western countries.