History Reiterates - Handspun Khadi Is Back

By Author: Sagar Wakharia
Total Articles: 3
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"Khadi is the livery of freedom" – Mahatma Gandhi.
The handspun cotton, known as Khadi is of exceptional importance to Indians. The Mahatma, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi elevated the fragile thread of cotton to a symbol of strength and self-sufficiency, and to provide employment for the millions during India's freedom struggle, and that symbolism of wearing cloth made by human hands has continued till this day. The symbolism of wearing cloth made by human hands has historical and emotional connotations in India.

In 1920, Khadi was launched as a political weapon in the Swadeshi movement. In India, it is not just a cloth, it is a whole movement .The Khadi movement endorsed the philosophy, an idea that Indians could be self-reliant and be free from the high priced goods and clothes, which the British were selling to them. The freedom struggle revolved around the usage of Khadi fabrics and the dumping of foreign-made clothes. Gandhi too wore the attire of dhoti made by hand spun Khadi his entire life & let the world follow his fashion statement. Thus, it symbolized the political ideas and independence itself, and ...
... to this day most politicians in India are seen only in Khadi clothing. The Indian flag is only allowed to be made from this material, although in practice many flag manufacturers, especially those outside of India, ignore this rule.

Today the world is facing many environmental problems like global warming; in such scenario ecology occupy a major place among the key focal issues. In an era of degenerating environment, efforts are on to produce 100% eco-friendly textiles where even the cotton will be grown without chemical fertilizers. However, surprisingly, this is already being done in India-in the form of Khadi, which is produced from wild varieties of cotton.

Since Khadi deals in natural fibers viz. cotton, silk and wool only, spun and woven in natural environment, it can boast of being 100% natural, unlike handloom and mills that receive cotton yarn, blended with some regenerated cellulose fibers. Khadi died in Natural dyes also makes a perfect combination for a green fabric. Khadi is produced by intermingling of handspun yarn or handloom. Use of only natural fiber is allowed in Khadi spinning. The rising demand for Khadi Exports has ensured a bright future for this fabric, which is "the Pride of India". Adored as a symbol of sophistication and elegance, handspun Khadi have been an eye catcher for fashion icons and celebrities. It is a versatile fabric, cool in summer and warm in winter. In order to improve the look, Khadi/Khaddar is sometimes starched to give it a stiffer feel. It is widely accepted in fashion circles.

Ekmatra is uniquely poised to deliver fashion and fabric; it is revered as hub for fashionable fabric, the Khadi. In fashion circles amongst experimental youngsters, Khadi is considered as new style statement. Ekmatra, the hub for Khadi products lined up from Nehru jackets, formal trousers, designer blouses, kurta pajama, designer suits for women, linen shirts, formal shirts for men & lot more. Explore Ekmatra.com & let the Khadi rule you.

About Author

Ocean 21 is pen name of a renowned fashion write Sagar Wakharia who is a Computer Engineer by profession. It’s his intricate sense of fashion that has made him a renowned style and trends analyst as well. Currently he aims at popularization of Indian ethnic wear for men and women through his fashion articles.