EDII Empowers Artisans and Revitalizes Traditional Crafts: The Hastkala Fashion Show Stands as Testimony

The Hastkala Setu Yojana, an initiative by the Commissionerate of Cottage & Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat with Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) as a knowledge partner, successfully hosted a spectacular fashion show and crafts exhibition on October 26, 2024, as part of the Ahmedabad Shopping Festival ’24. The unique event took place at the Event Center, Riverfront, Ahmedabad, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditional Indian crafts through the creative lens of contemporary fashion.

This ambitious project, The Hastkala Setu Yojana, aims to revitalize the handloom and handicraft sector. This initiative underscores the vital role of traditional crafts in sustaining cultural identity and supporting artisan livelihoods. Covering all 33 districts of Gujarat, the project has sensitized more than 35000 artisans, with 24004 receiving advanced skill training and marketing support.

The Hastkala Fashion Show – Promoting One District One Product & GI Crafts was organized on 26th October’24 to mark trained artisans’ genius and feature a stunning collection of garments designed by noted fashion designers. The fashion designers used the fabric developed by trained artisans to create garments. The event will continue till 28th October’2024 with an exhibition of 50 stalls showcasing 19 Geographical Indication (GI) crafts from various states and 25 prominent crafts of Gujarat.

The event celebrated the diversity of crafts from across Gujarat and highlighted the significance of the One District, One Product initiative. This initiative promoted and preserved traditional crafts by encouraging artisans to showcase and innovate them. The wide range of showcased crafts featured Patola, Suf, Tangaliya, Ajrakh, Bandhej, Bakhiyu embroidery, Applique, Beadwork, and Agate. The collection was a fusion of traditional artistry and modern fashion.