The National Handloom Expo began in Kozhikode on Saturday where stall of Kollam handloom is notable for the unique organic cotton fabrics dyed in natural colours. Kollam handloom has come up with an array of fabrics as well as clothes made using this technology, which the Union Ministry of Textiles is now trying to popularize.

Madhusoodhanan D. of Kollam Handlooms said that they, along with many other weavers’ cooperative societies, have been trained in it around a year ago. Colours extracted from leaves, flowers and berries besides tree barks have been used to dye these fabrics. It is very difficult to get dark colours and hence they look so dull.

Onion peels, red sandal, pith of jackfruit tree, saffron flowers, Aloe Vera, rind of pomegranate, gooseberries, Indigo, coffee and tea powders, teak leaf and almond leaf are some of the natural ingredients used for the colours. Kollam handlooms have come up with shirts made of these fabrics that cost around Rs. 1,200 each while the running material costs Rs. 300 per metre.

The customers shall avail 20 percent government rebate on all fabrics. A gift coupon will be issued for all purchases above Rs.1,000. The winners of the daily draw can purchase handloom products worth Rs.1,000 free of cost. There will also be weekly and mega draws.

The Handloom expo organised by Hanveev in association with the Development Commissioner of Handlooms under the Union Ministry of Textiles and the State Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles was inaugurated by Minister for Social Justice and Panchayats M.K. Muneer. The exhibition will run till March 5, 2016

The exhibition features handloom products and traditional fabrics from Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, West Bengal, U.P. and Haryana besides products of various weavers’ cooperative societies in the State.