‘Shwet Shyam’ exhibition to highlight India’s rich textile traditions

A week-long exhibition titled ‘Shwet Shyam’ will showcase India’s textile traditions at the National Crafts Museum. Featuring over 100 handcrafted pieces, the initiative aims to revive heritage crafts while promoting sustainable livelihoods and cultural awareness

New Delhi: India’s living textile traditions will take centre stage at a week-long cultural exhibition opening here on Monday, presenting a fusion of craftsmanship, heritage and modern narratives.

“Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam”, scheduled to be held at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, will feature over 100 museum-quality handcrafted textiles and art pieces inspired by the themes of ‘sankirtan’ (devotion), ‘shaktikaran’ (empowerment) and ‘swabhiman’ (dignity).

Developed over two years across Odisha, Bengal and Assam, the initiative seeks to revive endangered textile traditions through research-led design, curated displays and women-led livelihood efforts.

It aims to position traditional crafts as living, evolving practices relevant to modern audiences and sustainable cultural growth.

Organised by the RSB Foundation, the CSR arm of the RSB Group, the initiative has been led by Priyanka Behera, with creative curation by Pankaj S Chadha and cultural direction by Anshu Khanna and Neha Verma.

The showcase, according to the organisers, attempts to recreate the emotional resonance and grandeur of India’s textile legacy while fostering pride and inclusivity.

“Through ‘Shwet Shyam’, we are reimagining heritage as a living, evolving force, one that inspires pride in our roots while resonating with contemporary audiences. We hope this becomes a movement that reconnects people with the beauty, depth and spiritual essence of India’s handmade legacy for generations to come,” Behera, founder and chairperson of RSB Foundation, said in a statement.

The event will be inaugurated on Monday in the presence of several dignitaries from cultural and public life. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend as the guest of honour, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will deliver the keynote address.

Among those expected to be present are Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Mahari Nivritti Kumari Mewar, Yuvrani Meenal Kumari Singh Deo and spiritual leader Indradyumna Swami, along with patrons and members of the artisan and design community.

The exhibition will come to a close on May 2.