Uttar Pradesh Khadi festival begins in Meerut

Khadi institutions from various regions of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar have also set up stalls displaying their diverse range of handwoven textiles and indigenous products,” said Shishir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board.. | Photo Credit: The Hindu The ten-day Khadi Festival and Exhibition organised by the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board commenced in Meerut, showcasing a wide variety of traditional Indian products, handicrafts, textiles and indigenous goods from different parts of the country.The exhibition features a collection of products, including Khadi garments, Banarasi silk sarees, warm clothes, Kashmiri shawls, dry fruits, crockery and several other traditional items.“Visitors can explore brass products from Moradabad, exquisite Kantha embroidery from West Bengal, silk products from Banaras, bedsheets from Pilkhuwa, and wooden handicrafts from Saharanpur. Khadi institutions from various regions of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar have also set up stalls displaying their diverse range of handwoven textiles and indigenous products,” said Shishir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board. Mr. Singh added, “with the festive season underway, the exhibition offers a wide range of products suited to celebrations such as Durga Puja, Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali. From traditional clothing and home décor to handcrafted decorative items, wooden artefacts, brassware and other festive essentials, the exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to shop for unique, locally produced goods while supporting traditional artisans and small entrepreneurs,”. In the exhibition, a Gandhi Pavilion has been established at the centre of the exhibition, featuring a spinning wheel that highlights the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the importance of Khadi in India’s freedom movement. Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Laxmikant Bajpayee and other public representatives inaugurated the Khadi Festival on Saturday (October 18, 2026). The representatives toured the exhibition and felicitated traders participating from different states.Such Khadi exhibitions are organised across Uttar Pradesh to promote traditional industries, generate employment opportunities and provide market access to entrepreneurs associated with village industries. The initiative aims to connect Khadi with India’s cultural heritage while encouraging self-reliance and supporting local artisans under the vision of “Vocal for Local.”The exhibition showcases a wide variety of products, including handwoven Khadi garments, stoles, handicrafts, herbal products, home décor items and region-specific traditional goods, offering visitors an opportunity to celebrate India’s rich craftsmanship while contributing to the growth of the rural economy. Published - October 19, 2026 12:37 am IST