Lucknow: The 10-day Khadi Mahotsav-2025 began at the Central Sanskrit University in Gomti Nagar, celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s rich heritage of khadi, handicrafts, village industries and indigenous products. The festival, being held from November 21 to November 30, is aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship, strengthening traditional crafts, and giving rural industries a wider marketplace.
The event was inaugurated by Rakesh Sachan, Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Village Industries, Silk, Handloom and Textiles. More than 160 entrepreneurs and local units from across the state are participating in the exhibition, bringing together a diverse range of products that reflect the cultural and artisanal vibrancy of Uttar Pradesh.
The exhibition features Saharanpur’s famed carved wooden furniture, Bhadohi carpets, Amroha’s gamchha and jackets, Sitapur durries and towels, Varanasi’s silk saris, Pratapgarh’s amla products, Lucknow’s royal honey, terracotta crafts, Bikaneri papad, leather goods, traditional jackets, and a wide variety of indigenous and handmade items.
As part of the government’s commitment to strengthening rural entrepreneurship, selected beneficiaries and outstanding state-level units will be honoured during the festival. Five entrepreneurs each will receive dona-making machines, popcorn machines and honey boxes. Additionally, four beneficiaries will be provided with electric pottery wheels, and one with a pug mill. These modern tools are expected to enhance production capacity and open new avenues for small rural businesses.
The Khadi Mahotsav aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of empowering rural industries, promoting self-reliance and revitalising the state’s traditional industries. The festival not only opens new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs but also helps create a stronger market for indigenous products and craftspeople.
With an aim to connect artisans directly with customers, foster innovation and boost the local economy, the Khadi Mahotsav-2025 stands as a significant platform for celebrating and sustaining Uttar Pradesh’s traditional arts and rural enterprise ecosystem.
