Handloom Utsav, a crafts fair, is being organized by the Department of Fabric and Apparel Science, Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, in collaboration with Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and ACASH, Ministry of Textiles in the national capital from October 16 - 18, 2015 to create awareness about Indian handloom amongst the youth.

The fair will showcase handloom products by award winning artisans from all over India. People will also have an opportunity to see the live demonstrations of different types of handlooms such as Kani loom from Kashmir, Jaquard loom, backstrap loom from North-East and many more.

To attract youth to the fair, an array of competitive activities with attractive cash prizes has been organized, which includes Fashion Show competition, Rangoli making, T-shirt painting, slogan writing, mehandi making, newspaper dresses, etc, the Ministry of Textiles said in a release.

Efforts have been made on a large scale to mobilize college students from all over Delhi and NCR to visit the fair and participate in various creative activities, the Ministry added.

Indian handlooms are known for their unique creativity and variety of colours and textures. The profession of handloom weaving has been an important occupation in Indian economy, promoting relationships both within and among different communities.

Handlooms are eco-friendly too; they place minimal burden on the ecosystem during their production. In this age, when markets are clamoring for green, ethical products, handlooms hold great promise for youth, for which they need to be adapted to their lifestyle needs and fashion sensibilities.

Renewed efforts are also being made at the national level to popularize handlooms, with the declaration of 7th August as National Handloom Day.

The fair will be organized at the Handloom Haat, Handloom Marketing Complex, Janpath in New Delhi.