The Ibu Movement is set to celebrate Indian women artisans with its annual Holi Hai! event on March 5 in Charleston. The event is part of the nonprofit’s International Women’s Day fundraiser and aims to honor the cultural heritage and contributions of women artisans from India.
This year’s celebration includes a Women in India Mini Summit, featuring keynotes from influential figures in the world of heritage crafts, including artisans, businesswomen, and entrepreneurial pioneers. The summit seeks to connect participants with important conservation efforts tied to India’s artisanal traditions.
Among the honorees for the event are Arushi Chowdhury Khanna, founder of LoomKatha; Mamta Varma, founder of Bhairvi’s Chikan; and Anita Reddy, founder of Dwaraka Plus. “It’s been surreal,” Arushi expressed. “One of the greatest things Ibu is doing right now is being a kind of incubator for these groups and building those connections between artisans around the world.”
Arushi, who has a background in textile management, became passionate about helping handloom artisans in India after witnessing their struggles during a field visit to western India during her studies. Her experiences motivated her to advocate for change and support for these craftsmen.
The event will also feature a fashion vendor market and spotlights on women artisans as part of its programming leading up to the International Women’s Day Gala fundraiser later that evening. Veda Patel, a high school junior at Ashley Hall, will open the summit by sharing her family’s inspiring story, including insights about her great grandmother’s role in India’s Swadeshi Movement, which opposed British colonial rule through craft and activism.
Holi Hai! will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Charleston Library Society, located at 164 King St. Summit tickets are priced at $75 per person and can be purchased online.
