Youth-driven demand boosts ‘Thread to Heritage’ themed festival at Central Sanskrit University
Lucknow: The 10-day Khadi Mahotsav-2025, held from November 21 to 30 at the Central Sanskrit University in Gomtinagar, registered a record-breaking turnover of ₹3.20 crore, marking a 42% jump from last year’s ₹2.25 crore. The final day saw the highest footfall, with shoppers thronging stalls until late evening.
Organised on the theme ‘Dhage Se Dharohar Tak’ (Thread to Heritage), the festival drew a strong response from customers across age groups—particularly the youth—indicating Khadi’s evolving appeal as a modern, sustainable, and culturally rooted brand.
Strong Participation from Artisans and Entrepreneurs
A total of 160 entrepreneurs participated in the Mahotsav, including:
- 32 Khadi institutions
- 120 Gramodyog stalls
- 08 Mati Kala (pottery) units
Artisans from Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Barabanki, Gorakhpur and other districts showcased an impressive range of products.
Khadi apparel, herbal products, jute handicrafts, and pottery items emerged as the top choices for visitors.
Youth Presence Drives Sales Surge
Artisans such as Prem Kumar from Swarajya Ashram, Satendra Kumar from Gram Seva Sansthan, Abbas Ansari from Muzaffarnagar, Anjali Singh of Jute Artisans, Premchandra from Barabanki, and Prof. Nitin Singh of Royal Honey noted that this year’s turnout was not only larger but also more enthusiastic in terms of purchasing capacity.
They highlighted that increased participation from young buyers significantly contributed to the sales boost, giving Khadi a fresh commercial and cultural push.
A Trusted Space for Local Crafts and Natural Products
Visitors—especially youth, students, and women—said the festival offered a rare opportunity to explore a wide range of Khadi, natural products, and traditional crafts at one place. Many described the experience as trustworthy, diverse, and culturally enriching.
Khadi as Heritage and Modern Identity
At the closing ceremony, Shishir, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, thanked the artisans and organisers. He emphasised that Khadi has grown beyond being just a garment choice.
“Khadi today represents both cultural heritage and modern consumer identity. The overwhelming response this year shows its expanding relevance,” he said.
The success of Khadi Mahotsav-2025 underscores the growing preference for sustainable and indigenous products, reaffirming Khadi’s rising stature among contemporary consumers.
