Tag: textile heritage

TechPulse

Godrej Champions Indian Handlooms with Handloom-Friendly Washing Machines

Tanisha Cardozo

The Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has taken a significant step toward reviving India’s rich handloom heritage with its ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative. The move combines advanced AI-powered front-load washing machine technology with a cultural mission — to make handloom care effortless and encourage Indians to wear their traditional fabrics more frequently and proudly.

India’s textile landscape is deeply diverse, with each state boasting its own distinctive handloom traditions — from Kasavu of Kerala and Mysore Silk of Karnataka to Pochampally Ikat of Telangana, Paithani of Maharashtra, Chikankari of Lucknow, Bandhani of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Muga Silk of Assam. Despite their cultural and historical significance, many handloom fabrics are perceived as high maintenance, often requiring hand washing or dry cleaning. This perception has limited their everyday use and purchase.

To address this concern, Godrej has tested its advanced front-load washing machines on 25 different handloom fabrics, including Banarasi Silk, Patola Silk, Pochampally Ikat and Jamdani. The machines’ gentle wash program has been validated for up to 25 washes, ensuring minimal wear and tear. Beyond visual inspection, the fabrics were also examined under a microscope at 40x magnification to assess structural integrity and acceptable levels of fabric stress.

Kamal Nandi, Business Head – Appliances Division, stated that preserving India’s handloom traditions requires collective effort and that technology designed specifically for Indian needs can play a pivotal role. Swati Rathi, Head – Marketing, Appliances Business, emphasised that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to technology that is truly made for India, enabling consumers to care for handloom fabrics conveniently at home.

The Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, has been a leading player in India’s home appliance sector since 1958, when it became the first Indian company to manufacture refrigerators. Over the decades, the portfolio has expanded to include washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, thermo-electric cooling solutions, air coolers, deep freezers, medical refrigerators, dishwashers and insulin coolers — all guided by its philosophy of ‘Things Made Thoughtfully’.

Environmental protection remains central to the company’s operations, with both manufacturing units earning Platinum Plus GreenCo certification for eco-friendly practices. With over 950 service centres and more than 4,000 SmartCare service experts across India, the brand continues to combine innovation, sustainability and consumer-focused design while reinforcing the revival of India’s timeless handloom traditions.

Human Interest

Budget 2026: A Look at Nirmala Sitharaman’s Iconic Budget Day Sarees Over the Years

allycaralgoa

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has, over the years, turned Budget Day into more than just a fiscal milestone. Her carefully chosen sarees have emerged as meaningful cultural statements, spotlighting India’s diverse handloom traditions and regional craftsmanship.

Budget Day 2026

For the Union Budget 2026, Ms Sitharaman wore a deep plum Kanjeevaram silk saree, paying homage to Tamil Nadu’s centuries-old weaving legacy. Featuring traditional patterns and a rich contrasting border, the saree reflected the grandeur and discipline associated with South India’s iconic silk tradition. She paired the look with her trademark bahi-khata, reinforcing continuity and symbolism.

Budget Day 2025

In 2025, the Finance Minister chose an off-white handloom silk saree adorned with fish-themed embroidery and a golden border, inspired by Madhubani art. Paired with a red blouse and shawl, the ensemble celebrated Mithila’s folk artistry.

A Year-by-Year Look at Her Budget Sarees

  • 2019: Pink Mangalgiri silk saree with gold borders, marking the historic introduction of the traditional bahi-khata.
  • 2020: Yellow silk saree with green-lined borders, symbolising hope and prosperity.
  • 2021: Red and off-white Pochampally ikat silk saree from Telangana, highlighting intricate handwoven patterns.
  • 2022: Brown and maroon Bomkai saree from Odisha, showcasing regional craftsmanship.
  • 2023: Red silk saree with black Kasuti embroidery, a traditional craft from Karnataka.
  • 2024 (Interim Budget): Blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery from West Bengal.
  • 2024 (Union Budget): White silk saree with a magenta border and golden motifs.
  • 2025: Off-white handloom silk saree inspired by Madhubani art.
  • 2026: Deep plum Kanjeevaram silk saree celebrating Tamil Nadu’s weaving heritage.

Over the years, Ms Sitharaman’s Budget Day attire has evolved into a quiet yet powerful narrative—one that places Indian artisans, weavers, and traditional crafts at the heart of a nationally watched moment. Her sarees serve as reminders that cultural pride and policy leadership can walk hand in hand.

Human Interest

Woven With Pride: Celebrating National Handloom Day

allycaralgoa

Every year, National Handloom Day honors the intricate art of weaving that has defined India’s identity for centuries. But beyond heritage and craft, the handloom industry represents something even more profound — women’s empowerment and rural strength.

In India, over 70% of the handloom workforce comprises women, many from remote and rural communities. These women are not only preserving ancient weaving techniques but also driving economic change in their households and communities.

The handloom sector is the second-largest employment provider in rural India, only after agriculture. It blends creativity with culture, sustainability with self-reliance. Each sari, shawl, and fabric is a story — of tradition, toil, and transformation.

This National Handloom Day, let’s celebrate the hands that weave magic and the heritage that binds generations. Whether you wear it, showcase it, or support it — you are part of keeping this legacy alive.

📍 Let’s be vocal for local.
📍 Let’s choose handloom with pride.

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