
Bengaluru's Freedom Park hosts vibrant flea market
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'We have been hosting these bazaars in the city for over 40 years, and what stands out this time around is the venue, which is Freedom Park, and the number of stalls and craftsmen has also increased', shared one of the organisers of the event.
From textiles like Jamdari, Lambani, Chikinkaari, Chanderi, Arjekh Block print, Kalamkari, to crafts like Meenakari jewellery, leather bags, terracotta and blue pottery to folk art like Pichwai, Bhil, Tanjore painting, and Madhubani painting stood out bright at the colourful bazaar, and it seemed like a mini-India in Bengaluru.
Pic Credit : Karthikeyan Sairam
People are loving Kalamkarri and Ajrekh this time around. There is one local artisan from Rajasthan who has home décor stuff that people are loving too, it feels good to see local artisans from across the country being appreciated
Shelly, one of the organisers of the event

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Mint
08-08-2025
- Mint
Radhikaraje Gaekwad stuns in century-old Paithani sari at Naad couture showcase
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Time of India
07-08-2025
- Time of India
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Every year, August 7 is celebrated as National Handloom Day, a tribute to India's timeless weaving traditions and the artisans who spin magic from threads. In a world obsessed with fast fashion and fleeting trends, a growing tribe of Bollywood actresses is quietly but powerfully rewriting the rules - embracing handloom, speaking up for sustainability, and turning local weaves into global style statements. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From red carpet appearances to brand initiatives, these women are proving that fashion can be fierce, fabulous, and deeply rooted in heritage. Richa Chadha Richa Chadha isn't just a wearer of handloom, she's a force behind it. Along with husband Ali Fazal, she co-founded Ehaab, a fashion label that collaborates directly with Chikankari artisans. Their mission? To preserve a centuries-old craft and ensure weavers earn with dignity. For Richa, sustainability isn't a buzzword, it's her belief system. Her choices reflect that authentic, earthy elegance that handloom delivers best. Alia Bhatt Whether it's a Jamdani saree or a Chanderi drape, Alia Bhatt makes handloom look modern and aspirational. Her wardrobe choices often shine a light on Indian crafts, even on international platforms. Alia doesn't just wear local weaves; she normalises them for a generation that's still discovering the richness of slow fashion. 'Sustainability is a responsibility,' she once said and she walks that talk beautifully. Kritika Kamra Actress-turned-entrepreneur Kritika Kamra is doing more than just endorsing handloom, she's building a platform for it. Her label Cinnabar puts the spotlight on Chanderi weaves from Madhya Pradesh, reconnecting a fading craft with a fresh audience. Kritika's aesthetic blends vintage silhouettes with conscious fabrics, proving that traditional textiles can be endlessly chic. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shweta Tripathi Shweta Tripathi's style stands out and so does her commitment to the environment. She often chooses handloom outfits that are not only visually striking but also environmentally thoughtful. For her, wearing indigenous fabrics is a way to honour artisans and reduce fashion's carbon footprint. In an industry obsessed with gloss, Shweta's choices are deeply grounded. Dia Mirza No list of sustainable style icons is complete without Dia Mirza. A vocal environmentalist, Dia wears her activism on her sleeve, literally. Her wardrobe is filled with ethically made handloom sarees, and she uses every opportunity to champion conscious consumption. For her, draping Indian textiles is both an ecological and cultural act. Priyanka Chopra Jonas She may be a global superstar, but Priyanka Chopra hasn't lost her love for Indian handlooms. From Banarasi silks to Chikankari classics, her fashion choices are often a love letter to Indian craftsmanship. Whether at an award show or a family wedding, her sarees send a powerful message: Indian weaves deserve a place on every world stage. Janhvi Kapoor Janhvi Kapoor is often spotted in graceful handloom sarees, bringing a sense of youthful freshness to age-old weaves. Her styling - effortless hair, minimal makeup, antique jewellery, lets the fabric shine. Janhvi's love for traditional textiles is a reminder that handloom is not a thing of the past; it's fashion-forward and forever. Saiee Manjrekar Among the youngest in Bollywood, Saiee Manjrekar is a quiet but steady voice for handloom. Whether it's magazine covers or casual moments on Instagram, she's seen promoting Indian crafts with pride. By consistently choosing homegrown weaves over high-street trends, Saiee is encouraging her generation to fall in love with what's made in India and made to last. This National Handloom Day, let's celebrate the women who are using their platforms to revive, respect, and reimagine Indian handloom. In a world chasing trends, they're choosing tradition with flair. And in doing so, they're not just dressing beautifully; they're shaping the future of fashion.


India Today
07-08-2025
- India Today
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