PANAJI: To commemorate National Handloom Day, observed across India annually on 7th August, the Department of Textiles and Fashion Studies, in collaboration with Club Campus Threads, Goa College of Home Science, organised a series of engaging activities on 3rd August 2026 under the theme "Weaving Heritage, Draping the Future – Celebrating the Spirit of Handloom." The activities were organised by Assistant Professor Ms. Mitzi Mukerjie from the Department of Textiles and Fashion Studies.
The celebration aimed to create awareness about India's rich handloom heritage and encourage students to appreciate and promote traditional textiles through contemporary fashion and creative expression.
The highlight of the programme was a Fashion Show Competition featuring innovative draping of Goa's traditional Handloom Kunbi Sari. Students creatively reimagined the iconic sari using contemporary draping styles while preserving its cultural significance and identity. The competition showcased the adaptability of the Kunbi sari to modern fashion and highlighted its enduring relevance.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 17 teams, each comprising three members. Participants demonstrated exceptional creativity, styling skills, and a deep appreciation of Goa's textile heritage. Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges based on creativity, styling, aesthetic appeal, and overall presentation, making the competition both vibrant and inspiring.
As part of the commemoration, Club Campus Threads also organised a Photography Competition titled "Capture the Elegance of the Handloom Kunbi Sari." Open to students and staff, the competition invited participants to capture the beauty and elegance of the Handloom Kunbi Sari during the fashion show through creative photography. The initiative encouraged artistic expression while drawing attention to Goa's traditional handloom heritage. Photographs were judged on originality, composition, technical quality, and their ability to portray the essence of the Kunbi sari.
The celebration successfully reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting India's handloom traditions while inspiring young designers and photographers to embrace sustainable fashion and cultural heritage. Through these activities, the Department of Textiles and Fashion Studies and Club Campus Threads reaffirmed their commitment to fostering appreciation for indigenous textiles and encouraging innovation rooted in tradition.
