Field Visit to Charaka(Shimoga) by Fashion Department 2022 from ICAT, Bangalore

ICAT Design & Media College, Department of Fashion & Apparel Design organized a 6 days cluster visit (7th-12th Nov 2022) to Charaka Women’s Multipurpose Industrial Cooperative Society situated at Heggodu Village, Shimoga district on the western ghats of Southern India. They produce naturally dyed cotton handloom fabrics, block printed fabrics and garments using manual machines. Readymade garments produced here are sold under the name “DESI”.

Indian hand-woven fabrics have been existing for thousands of years. This sector involves large number of artisans from rural and semi-urban areas, most of which are women - Visiting Charaka provided students a wonderful opportunity to explore, experience and gain knowledge on eco-friendly natural dyeing, weaving through handloom, block printing, a zero-waste apparel manufacturing process, circular supply chain, very importantly inculcating an awareness and understanding to the insights of artisans skills and lifestyle.