Aimed primarily at promoting and preserving the rich traditional Banarasi handloom craft and enhance its global footprint further, Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) organized a fashion show – ‘Banaras – A Tapestry of Indian Culture and Craftsmen’ as part of 2-day-long ‘Prayas: Dharohar Kashi Ki’ at the historic Namo Ghat along the Holy Ganga in the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi
Manish Malhotra showcased the beauty of Banaras at the Dharohar Kashi Ki fashion show, held on the tranquil banks of the Ganges at Namo Ghat in Kashi. His collection, BANARAS, added emotional depth to the event, marking the first fashion show at this iconic location and supporting the Bunkar community and skilled Varanasi artisans. The show celebrated the fusion of traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Malhotra’s designs demonstrated the elegance and timelessness of handwoven textiles, paying tribute to the exceptional workmanship of Indian heritage.
The collection emphasized the beauty of Banarasi silk sarees, each intricately handwoven by skilled artisans over months—a stark contrast to the speed of machine-made fabrics. Manish Malhotra also announced his next venture: presenting this bespoke Banarasi handloom collection exclusively at his Delhi flagship store.
The show created a captivating atmosphere as models walked barefoot, showcasing cultural identity through mogra flowers and bindis. Diplomats and ambassadors from 20 countries, fashion designers, Bollywood stars, and heads of Bunkar Community Associations were among the attendees, along with IMF Convener and MP Rajya Sabha, Satnam Singh Sandhu.
During the event, as many as 40 bunkars including 2 Padma Shri awardees who have done exceptional work for the promotion and preservation of rich Varanasi craft were honoured by Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF). Manish Malhotra’s dedication to supporting the skilled bunker community of Varanasi reflects his commitment and aims to conserve the heritage of handloom and promote sustainable fashion to the world. His work aligns with campaigns like #VikasBhiVirasatBhi and #KashiSangam, which aim to develop and preserve India’s cultural legacy.
The Modi Mantra of Vocal for local and Local to Global have spurred the global demand for the rich Varanasi handloom products. Buoyed by the Makein-India initiative of Modiji’s government, the global footprint of Indian fashion has increased in an unprecedented manner. From Paris, Milan, New York and Moscow, Indian designers are leaving an indelible mark globally today. In the past 10 years of Modi government, the Indian Fashion Industry scaled greater heights at global level.
The vibrancy of royal craft of Banarasi Saree have shone bright not just in India but on a global map today after Modiji’s government’s Prayas for promotion of the rich textile tradition of India. Today, when it comes to fashion, the world looks at India and we have been transformed into trendsetters in the past 10 years of Modiji’s government. It is the confluence of traditional Indian clothing with modern touch that has taken the Indian fashion industry to greater heights at global level, he added. Today, this fashion show that showcased the rich Indian textile tradition is indeed a praiseworthy effort of Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF).
In recent years, PM Modi’s Make-in-India campaign has revived the glory of rich traditional Indian handicraft and handloom in an unprecedented manner.
Manish Malhotra
“It was a true honor to showcase my Banaras collection at the ‘Dharohar Kashi Ki’ fashion show at Namo Ghat by the Ganges in Kashi. Varanasi has always been a serene destination for me. The event celebrated Kashi’s vibrant culture and the rich history of Banarasi fabrics. Being part of this emotional and holistic event, celebrating the bunkar committee and artisans, was an extraordinary experience. The timeless elegance of Banarasi weaves continues to inspire me.
