A common thread

One of the most prominent addresses on Dr D N Road in Fort, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, is a perennial favourite for all. There are 14 Khadi Bhandars in Mumbai but this one is the best.

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we take you khadi shopping around the city

Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Fort
One of the most prominent addresses on Dr D N Road in Fort, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, is a perennial favourite for all. There are 14 Khadi Bhandars in Mumbai but this one is the best. Inaugurated by Morarji Desai in 1954, this place is where you can find endless yards of khadi; in various colours and varieties. Choose from saris, kurtas, dhotis, bed linen and much more. The first floor is also a good place to buy souvenirs. A fabulous common ground for the partriotic and the fashionable, Khadi Bhandar truly rocks.

Bombay Electric, Colaba
After the wave of Gandhigiri swept the nation, it is no surprise that multi-designer store Bombay Electric too is turning towards handspun, hand woven khadi. By Hand, a special week-long khadi exhibition that opens today will present a host of NGOs and artisans who have specialised in the art of weaving and natural dying. Hand-dyed shibori scarves, handwoven stoles in natural dyes, kishmish collection of handwoven khadi, natural indigo dyed daywear, block prints and Naga handwoven material are what you can choose from here.

SATTVA, Khar W
This store, run by Saakshi Bhandari, meets the demands of fashionistas and suits the budget clothes are priced Rs 2,000 onwards. A lot of young designers retail here. This season watch out for a whole lot of designs in handspun khadi. Beautiful new colours8212;pinks, beiges, ochres, greens8212;ones that one generally doesn8217;t associate with khadi are stocked. The well-styled clothes are ideal for evenings as well as daywear. The silhouettes are primarily western and include bunched up tunics, puffed sleeves, pin-tucks, flowy dresses and much more.

Kora Kendra, Borivali
Khadi has come a long way from being termed as the dress of a politician or a journalist. Walk into Khadi Centre and you will witness a host of college kids, office-goers and even boutique owners hoarding this ancient fabric. Over the years, the khadi centre has undergone multiple changes to match with the changing times. It offers a variety of khadi cloth pieces, saris and kurtas in different colours and textures. The store also stacks different perfumes including sandalwood, rose, neem and lavender, packed in lovely wrappers.

Shudh Khadi Bhandar, Dadar
Located right opposite the Dadar railway station, this store is one of the oldest symbols of our freedom movement. One glimpse and you will feel like it8217;s a mini version of Fort8217;s Khadi Bhandar. It is more a retail joint and it8217;s USP is the organic khadi and silk-khadi materials. Here, you can choose from a variety of textures which are picked up by the young and hip to create designs to go with the times. Next time you are in Dadar, make sure you head to this place.