The 10-day Khadi Mahotsav-2025, held at the Central Sanskrit University in Gomtinagar, Lucknow, has concluded on an exceptionally high note, setting a new benchmark for success. The festival wrapped up with total sales reaching an impressive Rs 3.2 crore, showcasing a massive surge in popularity for India's indigenous crafts.
A Staggering 42% Jump in Revenue
This year's sales figure marks a substantial 42% increase compared to the previous year's collection of Rs 2.25 crore. The final day of the event witnessed the highest footfall, with enthusiastic buyers ensuring that brisk sales activity continued well into the evening. The remarkable growth underscores a renewed and growing public interest in Khadi and village industry products.
Theme and Top-Selling Products
Organised under the evocative theme ‘Dhage Se Dhorahar Tak’, the festival successfully highlighted the journey of Khadi from its raw threads to a complete lifestyle choice. Visitor demand was particularly strong for several key categories:
- Khadi garments, which remain the timeless favorite.
- Herbal and natural products, appealing to the health-conscious crowd.
- Jute handicrafts, celebrated for their eco-friendly appeal.
- Terracotta items, showcasing traditional pottery skills.
Many visitors expressed appreciation for the convenience of finding such a diverse range of authentic Khadi products, local crafts, and natural goods under a single, trusted roof.
Entrepreneurs and the Youth Momentum
The Mahotsav provided a vital platform for 160 entrepreneurs to showcase their craftsmanship. This group included 32 representatives from Khadi institutions, 120 from various village industries, and 8 from the pottery sector. Artisans hailing from Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Barabanki, Gorakhpur, and other districts reported a significantly larger and more enthusiastic crowd compared to last year.
A notable trend observed by many entrepreneurs was the strong and active presence of young shoppers. This infusion of youth energy was credited with giving the entire event a "fresh momentum," indicating that Khadi is successfully shedding its old-fashioned image and being embraced by the new generation. The festival also saw steady participation from students and women, broadening its demographic appeal.
Closing Ceremony and a Modern Identity for Khadi
At the closing ceremony, the CEO of the Board, Shishir, extended his gratitude to all the entrepreneurs and organisers for their efforts in making the event a grand success. In his address, he reflected on the evolving significance of Khadi, stating that it is "not just an apparel choice but a shared identity of cultural heritage and the modern consumer." This statement perfectly captured the spirit of the festival, which seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary market trends.
The record-breaking success of the Khadi Mahotsav-2025 in Lucknow sends a powerful message about the viability and growing demand for sustainable, handcrafted Indian products. It highlights a conscious shift among consumers towards supporting local artisans and embracing heritage in a modern context.
