Mumbai: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched a new push to connect Khadi with younger consumers through contemporary fashion, digital marketing and youth entrepreneurship, with Chairman Manoj Goel inaugurating Khadi Mahotsav 2026 in Mumbai on October 15.
Organised at the KVIC Central Office in Vile Parle, the festival aims to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi” and “Vocal for Local” to the younger generation, particularly Gen Z.
Running from October 2 to October 31, the exhibition features 77 participating units from 12 states, showcasing Khadi products and a range of goods manufactured by village industries. The event also offers special discounts to encourage purchases of indigenous products.
77 Units from 12 States Showcase Khadi and Village Industry Products
The exhibition brings together Khadi institutions, entrepreneurs associated with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and other village industry units.
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The 77 stalls are operated by 36 Khadi units, 33 PMEGP-associated units and eight units associated with village industries and other schemes.
The participating states are Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
From Khadi Fabrics to Herbal Products: What Visitors Can Explore
The exhibition features traditional products alongside goods suited to contemporary consumer preferences. The range reflects the diversity of Khadi-based manufacturing and village industries.
Products on display include:
- Khadi fabrics, silk Khadi and poly-Khadi.
- Ready-made garments.
- Herbal and amla-based products.
- Food items, spices and soaps.
- Incense sticks.
- Leather products and artificial jewellery.
- Wooden toys and handicrafts.
- Bags and Phulkari products.
The festival provides participating units with a platform to display and sell their products while introducing visitors to goods produced by artisans and rural entrepreneurs.
‘Baat Khadi Ki’ Podcast Aims to Connect with Gen Z
A key feature of KVIC’s youth outreach strategy is the ‘Baat Khadi Ki’ podcast, launched to communicate the relevance of Khadi to younger audiences.
According to the commission, the initiative seeks to connect Gen Z with the Swadeshi movement through discussions on Khadi’s heritage, innovation, contemporary fashion and youth entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Goel said younger consumers could contribute to the sector not only by purchasing indigenous products but also by promoting them through social media, digital platforms and entrepreneurial ventures.
He highlighted the potential of young designers, digital marketers and startups to introduce new designs, improve branding and develop new business models for traditional products.
The initiative is intended to align Khadi with changing consumer preferences while retaining its association with Indian heritage and self-reliance.
KVIC Chairman Emphasises Fashion, Branding and Digital Markets
Goel said Khadi’s appeal among younger consumers could be expanded through contemporary designs, attractive garments, improved branding and marketing suited to modern lifestyles.
He also highlighted the importance of product quality, packaging and access to digital marketplaces in taking indigenous products beyond local markets.
The chairman said youth participation could support the sector in several ways:
- Contemporary fashion: Designers can incorporate Khadi into modern clothing and design concepts.
- Digital promotion: Social media and digital marketing can introduce products to wider audiences.
- E-commerce: Online marketplaces can help producers reach consumers across geographical boundaries.
- Entrepreneurship: Startups can develop new business models around traditional products.
- Market expansion: Better quality, packaging and branding can support efforts to reach international buyers.
The broader objective, according to KVIC, is to strengthen the connection between local producers and consumers while creating more opportunities for artisans and village industry entrepreneurs.
Khadi and Village Industries Turnover Exceeds ₹1.87 Lakh Crore
Speaking to the media, Goel said the Khadi and Village Industries sector recorded a turnover exceeding ₹1.87 lakh crore in 2025–26 and provided employment to more than 2.04 crore people.
He expressed confidence that the sector would achieve its stated turnover target of ₹2.51 lakh crore in the coming years.
The figures cover the Khadi and Village Industries sector collectively, rather than Khadi products alone.
Khadi’s Role in the ‘Local to Global’ Push
Goel described the expansion of local products into wider domestic and international markets as an important opportunity for the sector.
He said the next stage of growth would require producers to preserve the traditional character of Khadi while adapting product design, presentation and marketing to changing consumer expectations.
The commission’s approach centres on bringing together traditional manufacturing, contemporary design, digital promotion and entrepreneurship to expand market access for local producers.
Through Khadi Mahotsav 2026 and the ‘Baat Khadi Ki’ podcast, KVIC is seeking to engage younger consumers and entrepreneurs in efforts to promote indigenous products and strengthen opportunities for artisans and village industries.
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