Despite its simple and traditional designs, khadi has attracted people of all ages and withstood the test of time. The Silk Khadi Onam Fest, venued at Khadi Gramodyog Emporium on the SM Street here, has once again proved that the simple hand-spun fabric, woven in unique and exotic handiwork, is undoubtedly a crowd puller. The expo showcases a variety of sarees in kantha work, Kashmiri work, and kattoon work and a splendid assortment in other dress materials and khadi shirts. “However hyped the present fashion market in the city is, there are still genuine buyers for these khadi products. Breaking the belief that khadi products are meant just for the aged people, the new variety of trendy khadi shirts has become a hit among the youngsters too,” says manager to the Khadi Emporium here.
The silk and jute sarees, which are priced from Rs 1,500, come in numerous colour combinations and styles. “Jute sarees have not lost their appeal from the time they were introduced a few years ago. The light weight quality and durability are the major reasons for the popularity of these sarees,” opines a salesperson at the saree counter which is arranged exclusively as part of the Onam Fest. Apart from these, the expo also exhibits varied varieties of khadi products from various khadi centres across the country. “More or less the products don’t have much of quality disputes apart from the differences in their designing treatments,” he adds. The handicraft products from the Emporium are also given discounts at the Onam Fair. A 30 per cent rebate is tagged for all purchases in the expo which will conclude on September 14. Timing: 10am