Delhi hosted the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) from 25th to 31st March for the first time at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant moment in the city’s cultural calendar. The festival was held to celebrate the confluence of cinema and culture on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Among the several performances and presentations, one stood out for its seamless blend of culture, fashion, and cinema – The Loom & The Lens: Weaving Stories. Framing Legacy.
The event was organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC), Government of Delhi, and the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Government of India, in collaboration with Shikha’s Kariigarii.
The Vision: Connecting Tradition and Showcasing India’s Diversity Through the Saree
The purpose of the show was not merely to display fashion but to connect tradition and showcase India’s diversity through the saree. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “Initiatives like The Loom & The Lens beautifully position Delhi as a confluence of heritage and modern creativity, where traditional art forms such as handloom find renewed expression through contemporary platforms like cinema. This is how we present India’s cultural depth to the world — vibrant, rooted, and forward-looking.”
The Loom & The Lens highlighted the importance of the saree in Indian culture — a garment that represents tradition, symbolism, and identity and is worn with pride by women across the country. At IFFD 2026, special emphasis was placed on how cinema has shaped and popularised saree fashion over the decades.
Three Performances, One Powerful Narrative
1. Handloom to Silver Screen — A Journey from the 1940s to the 2020s
The showcase opened with a performance tracing the influence of Indian cinema on the saree, from the 1940s to the 2020s. This segment highlighted how cinema played a key role in popularising the saree as a symbol of elegance and cultural identity across generations.
2. From the Weavers of India — Celebrating Living Craft Traditions
The second performance, From the Weavers of India, brought attention to the artisans behind the fabric. It celebrated the living traditions and extraordinary craftsmanship of India’s weaving communities, paying tribute to the hands that keep this heritage alive.
3. Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat — A Tribute to Vande Mataram
The final performance marked the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, transforming the ramp into a moving expression of national pride, unity, and artistic creativity. It celebrated India’s diversity and shared cultural spirit.
Shikha Ajmera on the Philosophy of the Showcase
Expressing her gratitude and vision, Shikha Ajmera, artist, fashion designer, and founder of Shikha’s Kariigarii, said, “For me, a saree is not just a garment but a moving canvas. Through this showcase, we have attempted to bring together the narratives of loom and lens – where tradition meets storytelling, and art becomes a lived experience.”
IFFD 2026: A Celebration of Cinema’s Power to Unite
IFFD 2026 was not just an event; it was a celebration of cinema’s power to unite people across cultures and boundaries. Cinema does not merely tell stories — it evokes emotion, shapes trends, and preserves cultural memory.
Keeping both tradition and trend at its heart, The Loom & The Lens brought the saree into the spotlight, reinforcing its position as a timeless fashion statement that reflects both style and cultural heritage.
