Khadi’s New Avatar: Swadeshi Expands with Gen Z
Once a symbol of India’s freedom movement and self-reliance, khadi is now embracing a new identity through contemporary fashion, digital technology and youth entrepreneurship. With the aim of taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi’ (Swadeshi in Every Home) and ‘Vocal for Local’ to the younger generation, the Khadi Mahotsav 2026 is being organised at the headquarters of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
Anil Bedag
Oct 20, 2026 09:21
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Mumbai (Anil Bedag): Once a symbol of India’s freedom movement and self-reliance, khadi is now embracing a new identity through contemporary fashion, digital technology and youth entrepreneurship. With the aim of taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi’ (Swadeshi in Every Home) and ‘Vocal for Local’ to the younger generation, the Khadi Mahotsav 2026 is being organised at the headquarters of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in Vile Parle, Mumbai.
Inaugurating the festival, KVIC Chairman Manoj Goyal called upon young people to embrace indigenous products and play an active role in taking them to global markets. Running until October 31, the festival features 77 participating units from 12 states, showcasing a diverse range of products, including khadi fabrics, ready-made garments, herbal products, spices, handicrafts and various village industry offerings. Visitors can also avail themselves of special discounts of 20% on khadi products and 10% on village industry products.
One of the festival’s key initiatives is the ‘Baat Khadi Ki’ podcast, which aims to connect young audiences with khadi’s rich heritage, contemporary fashion and entrepreneurship. According to Goyal, young people can give khadi a fresh identity through design, social media and e-commerce, helping the traditional fabric reach new audiences and markets.
The khadi and village industries sector recorded a turnover of more than ₹1.87 lakh crore in the financial year 2025–26. The focus now is on combining tradition with modernity to take indigenous Indian products to new heights on the global stage.
