Hyderabad, Aug 8 (IANS): Handloom Industry in the Telangana state occupies a unique place in the country for its exclusive art and artifacts of handloom weavers. On National Handlooms Day, actress Tabu took to the ramp to showcase Telangana handloom textiles.

The fashion show was an ensemble comprising more than 50 sarees and garments made from the textiles that are woven in Telangana. The showstopper was Tabu, who draped a traditional gharara with a short kurta and dupatta.

In all, 26 models including 21 females and five men walked the ramp at the 'Amogham' event presented by award-winning textiles designer Gaurang Shah, to highlight the breadth and diversity that Telangana has to offer to the world.

The event was organised by Telangana's Department of Handlooms & Textiles, and the Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (TSCO).

Models sashayed in vibrant Ikkats from Pochampally and Puttapaka, elegant gadwals, and lustrous fabrics from Narayanpet among other local fabrics. The cheriyal paintings done on fabrics in the form of a lehenga were an absolute classic.

The tassels using handcrafted etikoppaka toys, are specialty of the State. The richness of handwoven chiffon, khadi, and Kota were also presented exquisitely. Each fabric on display was developed on the looms of Telangana, giving the weavers work for year-round production.

Gaurang said "Every art we have curated and showcased is not only timeless body of work from Telangana but also timeless creatives. My endeavour through such events, and multiple projects in the state has enabled common people, with no relation to textiles, to learn to weave."

"Women, who are passionate about learning and working have been encouraged to sit on a loom and learn the Jamdani technique."