Rising temperatures increase sales of Khadi clothes

AHMEDABAD - With the mercury rising well above normal levels demand for Khadi is on the rise.

In Ahmedabad, one can notice the rising fascination among people of all age groups for Khadi clothes.

Handloom wholesaler-retailer Khadi Mandir is producing khadi goods in far greater supply than last year owing to the high demand, says Jayantilal Shah, Khadi Mandir’s Managing Trustee.

A lot of varieties in Khadi fabrics are available and some such as Khadi silk, Khadi wool and Khadi cotton are considered fashionable and trendy, as well.

The cloth is made into sarees, caps or dhotis as well as more modern garments such as dresses.

“I make shirts of Khadi…then I make dresses, so whenever I used to be invited or go out to any parties…if I go internationally also, for some seminars, 99 percent of the fire I wear khadi. That time they say…it is looking nice because khadi is a soothing fabric,” said Mita Manglani, owner of Nautanki, a boutique specializing in Khadi-wear.

Manglani said the increasing popularity of khadi is also a result of creating stylish and brightly-coloured clothes from the fabric.

Earlier, Khadi fabric was dyed solely in earthy colours but now designers are experimenting by dyeing it in striking colours like lime green, violet, baby pink, turquoise blue and many more.

“In summers, wearing Khadi is very soothing for the body and now Khadi is not the same as before…that the cloth is itchy or it gets faded after two to three washes, or gets loose,” said Nilesh Parashar, a customer.

Khadi is widely accepted in India now and leading fashion designers include it in their collection.

There is a huge demand of khadi in international market, especially in western countries. By Uday Adhvaryu (ANI)