As per the latest All India Handloom Census (2019-20), published by the Ministry of Textiles, India is home to over 35 lakh handloom workers (weavers and allied workers). Approximately 90% of the sector is located in rural areas, with the highest concentrations in Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, and Tamil Nadu. Despite this large concentration of artistic talent in the country, 66.3% of weaving households earn only under ₹5,000 per month.
A participant at an earlier edition of the Festival
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
To help the community gain more visibility, a group of craft enthusiasts from across the country launched India Handmade Collective (IHMC), a ‘nationwide movement and platform dedicated to sustainable clothing, eco-friendly crafts, and community-led celebrations of handmade products’ in 2020. The latest initiative by IMHC is the Naturally Dyed Handmade Festival that launches in Bengaluru on October 2.
“IHMC works closely with community-rooted craftspersons, textile storytellers, and self-help groups across India to revive traditional dye recipes, local materials, and build fair, climate-conscious local economies,” says Udayasri Daita, coordinator, IMHC, adding that the Festival is set to be inaugurated by textile revivalist and craft advocate Chandra Jain, alongside musician-filmmaker Vasu Dixit.
Apparel by Gandhigram
| Photo Credit:
SRINATH M
Alongside the sale and exhibition of handspun and handwoven garments, block prints, eco-prints, and heritage weaves naturally dyed using flowers, minerals, barks, and seeds, the event will feature a range of lifestyle brands retailing products such as home decor, gift boxes, etc. made from natural materials such as coconut shells, palm leaves, bullrush grass, terracotta, and seeds. There will also be interactive workshops on eco-printing, batik, Lambadi embroidery, tapestry weaving, and hand papermaking.
A workshop at an earlier edition of the Festival
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Rooted in Gandhian values of self-reliance, rural empowerment, and ecological harmony, Gandhigram shares IHMC’s commitment to preserving traditional crafts and promoting slow fashion. “Participating in this festival starting on Gandhi Jayanti carries special significance for us, as it highlights our collective mission to reconnect modern consumers with the artisans behind their everyday products,” says Aditi Jain, textile designer, Gandhigram Khadi & VIPC Trust. Alongside a collection of sustainable khadi textiles, Gandhigram will also showcase handwoven Kalamkari saris and fabrics, a newly launched range of eco-printed khadi fabrics, and a range of naturally dyed towels, stoles, and yardage crafted using traditional mineral and plant-based dyeing methods. “As part of the festival’s interactive learning initiative, Gandhigram will host a specialised eco-printing workshop (Oct 2, 3-5 pm) where visitors can learn the art of creating direct leaf and flower prints on fabric and take home their own handcrafted piece,” adds Aditi.
A snapshot from an earlier exhibit by Porgai
| Photo Credit:
R Kishore Kumaar
The roster comprises 23 brands, including Porgai (embroidered saris, blouses, shirts, veshtis, kurtas, lacework dresses, toys, curtains, bedspreads); Mrudu (body scrubs with desi sugar); Tinctoria (eco-printed apparel); Porunai (coconut shell craft), among others.
Jewellery at TerraBarn
Poornima Gandham of Bengaluru-based terracotta jewellery studio TerraBarn will be showcasing a festive collection of statement necklaces, earrings, and jewellery sets. “To me, handmade is not just a product category, but a way of preserving craft traditions and creating meaningful livelihoods for women artisans. Each piece is made with care, carrying the beauty of earth, craftsmanship and human hands,” says Poornima.
Artisans at an earlier edition of the Festival
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Madhya Pradesh-based Gram Art Project, a rural collective of artists, artisans, farmers, and makers is known for its land art, seed toys, seed jewellery, seed balls, seed papers, seed crackers, and more.
Roshni Narnavre, coordinator, Pulp and Paper Unit at Gram Art Project, says the team has been “trying to find ways of living consciously to be in harmony with our natural and social ecosystems”. This includes growing their own indigenous cotton and establishing a collective seed library/bank. “We also craft our own publications where we tell our stories, and make our paper, books, and ink. We screen print them in our own studio. We also do collective performances, no-tillage farming, and make papers and heat-resistant boards from crop waste to create local alternatives and business opportunities,” says Roshni, adding that the organisation comprises 350 women across 14 villages.
October 2-4 at Bangalore International Centre (BIC), Domlur. For workshop bookings, call 7305127412 or visit @indiahandmadecollective on Instagram
Published – October 01, 2026 07:31 am IST