Home-spun charm

Khadi is everlasting, and now, shopping for it is also a breeze.

Good ol’ khadi has seen it all: political uprisings, social activism, fashion parades. And now, it has gradually caught up with the big fish in the market.

On a weekday afternoon, the Khadi Gramodyog showroom in Connaught Place in Delhi is buzzing with activity. Young shoppers hover around the skin and hair products section, while aunties and uncles run riot in the spices/household goods section nearby.

I head straight for the sea of cosmetics, intrigued by the number of bottles whose contents are in pleasing colours and with a range of ingredients. Negotiating an array of herbal shampoos, ayurvedic oils, face cleansers, creams and what have you, I turn to the bath oil counter, to stock up for winter. I quiz the salesperson on the options, and he recommends the bath oil with vitamin E for my requirements. He also patiently explains the features of the other herbal oils in the range.

Looking around, I find each of the skin products available in a surprisingly wide variety — a better range than the more popular Fabindia. Cold cream is sold out, but there are flavours aplenty — mauri, mixed fruit, lavender, tulsi, lemon, sandalwood — priced reasonably between Rs 50 and Rs 250.

The floor above is entirely dedicated to readymade khadi garments. The cloth remains its versatile best — starched and slightly rough. Patrons swear by khadi silk, and the shelves hold more promise than they did a few seasons ago, currently stocked with a range of bright colours and patterns. The fit, however, continues to be straight cut and boring — not a enticing prospect for those of us now used to the well-cut readymade variety. There is currently a 20 per cent discount available on all khadi material.

On two occasions, on separate days, I observed that the staff managed long queues efficiently and quickly. A minor feat, perhaps, but worth mentioning, considering the gross inefficiency of many bigger private stores.

Khadi Gramodyog is a welcome change from the artificial razzmatazz of giant malls. Premium brands will come and go, but we still love our cool cottons — weathered but hardy; no-fuss but classic.

Score: 8/10, for a cheerful shopping experience, and an impressive range of accessories

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