Khadi weaves history in Bhutan
Embassy of India and KVIC jointly organised an event ‘Khadi-Thagzo’ at Thimphu
With a twin objective to encourage Indian and Bhutanese traditional textiles and weaving, and to foster a collaboration between the traditional textile artisans and designers from both countries, a special event 'Khadi-Thagzo' was organised on October 16, at Thimphu, Bhutan.
The event was jointly organised by Embassy of India, Khadi and Village industry Commission (KVIC), in association with The Royal Textile Academy, Thimphu. The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) curated the fashionshow. The Indian ambassador Ruchika Khamboj said that the objective of this event was to introduce environmental friendly fabric Khadi of India to Bhutanese designers, and enhance Khadi foot print in the country. KVIC Chairman Vinai Saxena said Khadi means sincerity, purity, honesty and swaraj.
Khadi-Thagzo, organised at the RTA, which is also one of the most prominent tourist spots in Thimphu, witnessed presence of high-profile audience including Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as the Chief Guest, Vinai Saxena, KVIC Chairman as the Guest of Honour, Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors and several other distinguished guests.
Fusing Khadi with Thagzo, the traditional fabric of Bhutan, 48 ensembles were created by leading designers such as Anamika Khanna, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Samant Chauhan from India and Chadrika Tamang, Kencho Wangmo, Tshering Choden and Sangay Choden from Bhutan.
In addition,Anjana Bhargav, Nitin Bal Chauhan, Paras Gairoliya, Payal Jain, Rahul Mishra and Renu Tandon curated special Khadi ensembles which were also displayed in the event followed by Banarasi Satvik Bhojan. Sunil Sethi of FDCI was also present.
Commemorating 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, this event aimed to foster the collaboration between two countries through fashion, thus identifying and promoting similar textile and weaving traditions. Interestingly, four Bhutanese textile designers who showcased their work at the Khadi-Thagzo, had also visited India on invitation from FDCI .
Bhutanese designer Dorothy Gurung would be opening first Indian Khadi outlet in Bhutan towards the end of the year.
