Handloom Sarees Shine at IFFI 2025: A Cinematic Tribute on Goa’s Red Carpet

The red carpet at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Panaji transformed into a breathtaking runway celebrating the artistry of Indian handlooms. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the event titled “Handloom Sarees in Motion: 70MM on Runway” united couture, cinema, and culture in a spectacular tribute to India’s weaving traditions. Presented by Shikha’s Kariigarii in collaboration with DC Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, the Entertainment Society of Goa, and NFDC, the 15-minute showcase was performed twice on Sunday evening, captivating audiences with a cinematic journey through time.

Set to the timeless melodies of Bollywood soundtracks, the fashion show traced the evolution of Indian cinema through the lens of the saree — from the graceful silhouettes of the 1940s to the daring, experimental drapes of the modern era. Each ensemble represented a cinematic muse, embodying the nostalgia, glamour, and emotion that define India’s silver screen. More than 40 handloom creations from across the country were featured, including Tussar silk from Chhattisgarh, Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, Venkatagiri from Andhra Pradesh, and Banarasi Butidar from Uttar Pradesh, offering a vivid tableau of India’s textile diversity.

Many sarees were uniquely hand-painted by national and state award-winning artists, blending intricate weaves with the vibrancy of traditional art forms such as Pichwai, Pattachitra, Warli, Pen-Kalamkari, and Madhubani. The result was a seamless marriage of fabric and art, where each drape told a story of craftsmanship, legacy, and innovation. The presentation not only celebrated female grace but also the rural communities and artisans who preserve these heritage techniques.

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Dr. M Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), emphasized that the initiative was designed to spotlight India’s weavers before an international audience. “A saree is more than fashion—it’s a philosophy of artistry and rural livelihood,” she remarked, describing the event as a living tribute to India’s cultural spirit under the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’. NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum noted that the showcase reflected IFFI’s ethos of merging diverse creative expressions, while Delilah M. Lobo, Vice-Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa, hailed it as a refreshing addition to the festival’s vibrant celebration of cinema.

For Shikha Ajmera, the artist and promoter behind Shikha’s Kariigarii, the event marked a major milestone in promoting handlooms globally. “Platforms like IFFI give our artisans the recognition they deserve,” she said, adding that showcasing India’s textile artistry on an international stage strengthens pride in homegrown craftsmanship. By aligning fashion with film, the IFFI handloom showcase became a landmark celebration of India’s cultural continuum—where threads of heritage and storytelling intertwine beneath the cinematic spotlight.

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