Dilip Guha, New Delhi : As India’s wellness movement continues to gain momentum, two powerful traditions are converging—yoga, the country’s ancient practice of holistic well-being, and wellness wear, a modern approach to clothing designed for comfort, movement, and mindful living. Bringing these ideas together, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched Svadha, a wellness wear collection developed by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) ahead of International Yoga Day. Crafted from handspun and handwoven khadi, the collection reimagines India’s iconic fabric for contemporary lifestyles, blending sustainability, functionality, and timeless comfort.
Shri Manoj Goel, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, has launched KVIC’s new khadi-based collection ‘Svadha’, which combines the philosophy of yoga with contemporary wellness wear, offering breathable, sustainable, and versatile clothing designed for mindful movement and everyday comfort.
Created by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), this collection represents an innovative effort to blend the Indian concepts of yoga, health, and balanced living with modern clothing styles. The launch ceremony was held at the Hub Office of the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), in collaboration with KVIC at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi campus in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Shri Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, and Advisor, KVIC; Project Director, CoEK; and Director, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, New Delhi; Senior Officers and staff from KVIC, CoEK, and NIFT were present on this occasion.
The Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), established in 2021 by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), serves as a design and innovation hub for the khadi sector. CoEK works closely with Khadi Institutions across India to develop contemporary products, strengthen design capabilities, and build new narratives around Khadi through innovation, branding, storytelling, and market-oriented interventions. With Svadha, CoEK continues its mission to make khadi relevant to modern lifestyles.
‘स्वधा’ (Svadha): A collection that embraces simplicity, balance, and ease in everyday life.
Speaking on the occasion, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel stated that International Yoga Day celebrates the ancient Indian tradition of yoga, which promotes whole health and well-being by establishing harmony between the body, mind, and soul. Carrying forward this spirit, the ‘Swadha’ wellness wear collection has been created for the upcoming International Yoga Day, weaving together two of India’s significant legacies, i.e., Yoga and Khadi.
Shri Goel remarked that Khadi, the legacy of the revered Gandhiji, is not merely a fabric but a symbol of self-reliance, Swadeshi consciousness, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. He stated that the ‘Swadha’ wellness wear collection represents a harmonious blend of two great Indian traditions, which are Yoga and Khadi. He explained that the word ‘Swadha’ is derived from the Atharvaveda and signifies ease, comfort, and spiritual contentment. Rooted in this ethos, the collection prioritises simplicity, comfort, and adaptability. It is designed to meet the needs of a modern lifestyle, making it suitable for both yoga practice and daily wear.
Designed for mindful movement while extending beyond the mat, the collection seamlessly blends wellness wear with everyday dressing through simplicity, comfort, and understated elegance.
Inspired by the philosophy of self-awareness and conscious living, Svadha features relaxed silhouettes, thoughtful detailing, and effortless versatility. Most garments are free-size and gender-neutral, making them adaptable across different body types and lifestyles. The collection highlights the inherent qualities of handspun and handwoven khadi, its breathability, lightness, softness, and natural comfort, making it particularly suited to wellness-focused clothing.
The collection comprises nine relaxed-fit styles designed for ease of movement and all-day comfort. Crafted using khadi sourced from three distinguished Khadi Institutions across India: Gandhigram Khadi & V.I. Public Charitable Trust (Tamil Nadu), Payyanur Firka Gramodaya Khadi Sangh (Kerala), Kshetriya Punjab Khadi Mandal (Punjab)
The collection features nine distinct garment styles developed to ensure effortless mobility and all-day comfort. Most of the garments are free-size and gender-neutral. The Khadi fabric used in these garments is particularly well-suited for wellness wear due to its breathability, lightness, softness, and natural comfort.
The KVIC Chairman remarked that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and ‘Local to Global’ has infused the Khadi and Village Industries sector with new energy and a renewed identity. The sector created history in the 2025-26 financial year by achieving record sales of ₹1.87 lakh crore. He attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of millions of artisans, weavers, rural entrepreneurs, and Khadi institutions across the country. He further stated that the Khadi and Village Industries sector has now set an ambitious turnover target of ₹2.51 lakh crore. He expressed confidence that the sector would play a vital role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and further strengthening the rural economy. Shri Goel also mentioned that at present, the Khadi and Village Industries sector provides employment to approximately 2.04 crore people across the country.
Wellness wear refers to clothing designed to support physical and mental well-being. It blends comfort, functionality, and fabric technology to help the body perform and recover better, and ‘स्वधा’ (Svadha) is a wellness wear collection that reimagines the timeless comfort of Khadi for contemporary lifestyles.
Also read : Navyug Khadi: Building a New Narrative for India’s Heritage Fabric
Wellness wear is more than just gym clothing. It is apparel specifically designed to promote both physical comfort and mental well-being. Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics with non-restrictive silhouettes, wellness wear helps regulate body temperature, minimise skin irritation, and allow unrestricted movement during physical activities.
Light colours are often preferred in wellness wear because they reflect heat, evoke a sense of calm, and align with the mindful, clutter-free philosophy associated with yoga and wellness practices. The focus is on creating clothing that enhances relaxation, recovery, and concentration rather than causing distraction.
Speaking about the concept, young fashion designer Payel Kumari said, “Wellness wear refers to clothing designed to support physical and mental well-being. It blends comfort, functionality, and fabric technology to help the body perform and recover better. That is why we use light colours, and the garments should also be lightweight.”
She added that wellness wear is particularly beneficial for yoga and stretching exercises, as its flexible and comfortable design allows for a full range of movement while promoting overall ease and well-being.
International Yoga Day is observed annually on June 21, the date proposed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and established by the United Nations in 2014. The global initiative celebrates the ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice of uniting the body, mind, and breath to promote holistic well-being.
Also Read :Khadi and Village Industries Witness Historic Surge, Driving Rural Prosperity
