Khadi festival sales surge in Lucknow
Lucknow’s Khadi festival posts strong rise in earnings with major jump from last year
The Khadi Mahotsav 2025 held in Lucknow became a major attraction this year, recording sales worth Rs 3.20 crore. This amount marked a strong rise of nearly 42 per cent compared to last year’s total of Rs 2.25 crore. The event was organised at the campus of Central Sanskrit University from November 21 to 30 and ran for 10 days with the theme “From Thread to Heritage.” Visitors from different parts of the state attended the exhibition, showing great enthusiasm for Khadi and handcrafted goods. The final day saw the largest crowd, as buyers continued shopping until late evening.
A wide range of stalls displayed Khadi clothing, herbal products, jute handicrafts and terracotta items. These categories became the most-purchased items, reflecting growing interest in eco-friendly and handmade products. The festival also turned into an important opportunity for artisans to reach new customers and earn better income. Many stall owners spoke about the increased footfall this year, saying that not only did more people come, but many of them were young buyers.
The event also received attention from state officials. Suresh Khanna visited the Khadi Mahotsav, encouraged the artisans, and made a few purchases from the stalls. His visit highlighted the state government’s support for Khadi and local craftsmanship.
Participation shows strength of India’s handicraft tradition
This year’s Khadi Mahotsav hosted around 160 entrepreneurs from across Uttar Pradesh. The participants included 32 Khadi institutions, 120 Gramodyog stalls and 8 terracotta units. Representatives came from multiple districts such as Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Barabanki, and Gorakhpur. Many artisans shared that the response from the public was far better than they had expected.
Several artisans expressed happiness that people showed deep interest in handmade items. Prem Kumar from Swarajya Ashram and Satendra Kumar from Gram Seva Sansthan shared that their products sold in large numbers. Abbas Ansari from Muzaffarnagar and Anjali Singh, who works with jute products, said that this year young visitors were especially enthusiastic. Premchandra from Barabanki and Professor Nitin Singh of Royal Honey also felt the same. They noted that modern customers are now valuing quality handcrafted goods more than before.
The stalls did not just display products—they also told stories of local talent. The traditional spinning, weaving and crafting techniques used by artisans attracted many visitors who wanted to learn about the effort behind each piece. People also appreciated the natural materials and sustainable methods used for making Khadi garments, jute bags, herbal items and terracotta artefacts.
Stall owners said they were encouraged by the fact that today’s youth are exploring local options instead of depending only on factory-made products. Many customers also interacted with artisans and asked about their craft, which made the experience more meaningful for both sides.
The steady rush of visitors throughout the 10-day event helped artisans earn good income. For many of them, the festival created greater visibility and opened doors to new opportunities for future business. Some entrepreneurs said they had received bulk orders from buyers who wanted to promote Indian handicrafts in different markets.
Young shoppers show growing preference for Khadi
One of the standout features of Khadi Mahotsav 2025 was the strong participation of youngsters, students and women. Many young shoppers said they liked the unique designs, natural fabrics and handcrafted accessories available at the stalls. They also appreciated having so many local products under one roof, which made their experience enjoyable and convenient.
Visitors shared that Khadi garments felt comfortable and durable, making them suitable for regular use. Women buyers showed special interest in herbal skincare products, jute bags and handmade decor, while students explored modern-style Khadi clothing. The variety offered at the event helped bridge the gap between traditional crafts and modern tastes.
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Many customers said they trusted the quality of products at the festival because they were directly made and sold by artisans. This direct connection helped them understand how local craftsmanship supports sustainable living and rural employment. Several visitors also mentioned that such events give them a chance to support small businesses and encourage traditional skills.
During the closing ceremony, the CEO of the Board, Shishir thanked all entrepreneurs, artisans and the organising team for their contribution to the festival’s success. He said that Khadi has now evolved beyond being a simple clothing choice. It has become a shared identity that represents India’s cultural heritage as well as the modern consumer’s preference for natural and ethical products.
He added that the remarkable response from customers reflects how people today are actively choosing sustainable and locally crafted goods. According to him, events like the Khadi Mahotsav help promote artisans’ skills on a large platform and strengthen the connection between traditional crafts and contemporary lifestyles.
The 2025 edition of the event proved that Khadi continues to grow in popularity. With record-breaking sales and overwhelming public participation, the Khadi Mahotsav in Gomtinagar has set a new standard for future exhibitions. Artisans, entrepreneurs and organisers all expressed hope that the increasing love for Khadi will continue in the coming years, ensuring both cultural preservation and economic growth for local communities.
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