Under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), has launched India's first textile upcycling festival, ‘Weave the Future,’ at Dilli Haat. Running until February 9, 2025, the festival promotes sustainable fashion and raises awareness about reducing textile waste.

As a lead-up to India Tex 2025, a major global textile trade fair, the festival offers a platform for artisans, designers, and consumers to discuss sustainability, circular fashion, and ethical textile production. The event includes brand interactions, art exhibitions, and hands-on sewing and knitting workshops to encourage sustainable textile practices.

A central feature is a thematic installation divided into three sections: Handmade, Recycled, and Upcycled. The Handmade section displays fabrics made from handspun yarns and natural dyes. The Recycled section showcases textiles repurposed by breaking them down and reconstructing them. The Upcycled section demonstrates the creative reuse of discarded garments, fabric scraps, and surplus materials.

Forty brands committed to eco-conscious craftsmanship are showcased, encouraging wider adoption of responsible practices and raising consumer awareness. The festival emphasizes the 9R principles - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Repurpose, Regenerate, Rethink, and Restore - to guide sustainable textile consumption.

The Textile Committee of the Ministry of Textiles has identified several exhibitors as Upcycled Textile Manufacturers, contributing to a structured system for upcycled textile products in India.