Bharat Tex 2024 defines the next chapter for India’s textile landscape

Garnering global acclaim for its emphasis on sustainable textiles, the exhibition boasted the participation of more than 3,500 exhibitors and 3,000 buyers from over a 111 nations.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F’s vision, Bharat Tex 2024has emerged as a global textile mega-event, garnering an unprecedented response from both Indian and global players. The four-day affair successfully showcased India’s prowess and strategic growth roadmap in the textile industry. The event facilitated collaboration among multilateral organisations, global textile think tanks, and NGOs, bringing international perspectives on India’s journey towards becoming a Global Textiles Hub.

The event witnessed over a lakh visitor combined both Bharat Mandapam & Yashobhoomi, bringing the entire value chain under one roof. Garnering global acclaim for its emphasis on sustainable textiles, the exhibition boasted the participation of more than 3,500 exhibitors and 3,000 buyers from over a hundred nations. The marquee event resulted in the signing of over 63 MoUs and witnessed 100 product launches, 9 book launches, 70 knowledge sessions with 112 international speakers, 50 business meetings, 25 capacity-building masterclasses & thematic fashion shows.

Renowned trend forecasting agencies WGSN and Vision NXT collaborated with the show, presenting their latest trend forecasts, providing valuable insights into the future of fashion and textile design. WGSN highlighted upcoming colour trends, fabric textures, prints, and patterns expected to dominate the industry in the coming seasons. While VisionNxt curated trend stories and design narratives inspired by global cultural influences, art movements adapted to the Indian consumer market and behaviour.

The event also featured a dynamic fusion of crafts and music, creating an immersive experience for the attendees. With over 15 live looms, craftsmanship was brought to life as 30 skilled artisans demonstrated their expertise in various traditional crafts. This live demonstration not only showcased the intricacies of the crafts but also provided insights into the techniques and workmanship involved. Complementing the visual and tactile aspects of the crafts, the event also incorporated live music performances by 15 local artists.

The event witnessed a grand confluence of iconic handloom & handicraft traditions from Gujrat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Ladakh & many more both in Bharat Mandapam & Yashobhoomi. The spotlight of their participation was to represent the varied handlooms and handicrafts of these regions to the global market and present a shared narrative of artistic excellence, featuring handloom craftsmanship & unveiling distinctive textile innovations.

On the conclusion day of the event, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, visited the show and in his address, he stated, “The textile industry stands as the second-largest employment provider after agriculture, offering limitless prospects for technological advancements. Uttar Pradesh has showcased its prowess in the textile sector, featuring 20 exhibitors at ‘Yashobhoomi’ and 46 at Bharat Mandapam. The establishment of PM Mitra Park in seven states not only presents an opportunity for Uttar Pradesh but also for the entire nation. Not just India, the global market as well eagerly anticipates this development.”Uttar Pradesh the Partner State for Bharat Tex 2024 presented the iconic handloom and handicrafts of the region and gave an opportunity to multiple artisans and young entrepreneurs to present their skills.

The mega event was organised by a Consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles. Built on the twin pillars of trade and investment and with an overarching focus on sustainability, Bharat Tex 2024 exhibition was spread across nearly 2 million sq ft of area, encompassing the entire textile value chain, including an artistically curated story of textiles- Vastra Katha.

A significant highlight of the expo was the signing of 63 MoUs particularly between Ministry of Textiles, its organisations and other Ministries including international institutions. Noteworthy among these agreements were the MoUs with GeM, the Ministry of Rural Development, NRIDA, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, and NBRI.

Over 10,000 artisans, weavers, design and fashion students, factory workers, NGOs and producer companies visited and participated in the Bharat Tex 2024 as special invitees. All major textile organisations and brands from around the world were represented in the event including top level participants from companies including Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Vero Moda, Jack n Jones, Toray, H&M, Target, Kohl’s, K-Mart, IKEA, YKK, Lenzing, Anko, CIEL Group, Busana Group, Brandix Apparels, Teijin Ltd, Chargeurs PCC among others. All Indian leading players including Reliance, Aditya Birla, Welspun, Trident, Arvind, Shahi Exports, PDS, Vardhman, Dodhia, Nahar, Raymond, SRF Industries among others were represented at the show.

Multilateral organisations and global think tanks including UNEP, IRENA, Laudes Foundation, GIZ, IDH, Cotton Connect, WGSN, Fashion for Good, Better Cotton Initiative, Responsible Sourcing Network, ITMF, International Apparel Federation, BGMEA, BKMEA, Cotton Egypt Association among others were part of the event. In addition, various Indian and global industry bodies and associations including CMAI, CITI, SIMA, SGCCI, TEA, GEMA, YESS, ITMF, ITME, ATMA, NIFT, among others overwhelmingly supported the event.

Furthermore, the event saw the release of the UNEP Report for Sustainable Textile Hub in India. A documentary was also launched based on the theme ‘Women Power in Silk’. Several books on various topics were also launched during Bharat Tex 2024.

Book launching during Bharat Tex 2024

• Report on Roadmap for Sustainable Textile Hub in India: Report on the Surat Textile Cluster and the targets set by a participatory approach being published by UNEP and CEE.

• Handloom Coffee Table Book on Circularity and Sustainability in Indian Textiles: A handy book giving insight into sustainability and circularity in entire value chain of the India Textiles Industry.

• Coffee Table Book on GI Tagged Textiles products registered under GI Act prepared by Textile Committee 

• Coffee Table Book – an insight into Wool Sector activities and wool eco-system by Central Wool Development Board

• P3D (Design, Development & Diversification) Catalogue – A brief book on diversified Silk Product

• Coffee Table Book on Vanya Silk – A handy book giving insight into sustainability and circularity in entire value chain of the Vanya Silk.

• Silken Innovations – A compiled information book on CSB-Intellectual Property Rights

• Book Title: Inspirations for Graphic Design from India
  • Authors: Jaya Jaitly & Dimple Bahl
  • Published by Arthshila

• Book Title: Stitchless Seam Standard
• Authors: Prabir Jana & Anshuman Dash
• Published by NIFT

By aligning with the 5F Vision and emphasizing sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation, Bharat Tex’s endeavoured to strike a chord with both domestic and international audiences. This concerted effort culminated in a highly successful and impactful event, showcasing the pinnacle of Indian textiles to a global audience.