The Odisha government is showcasing a new, eco-friendly silk variant, ‘Karuna Silk,’ at the International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi. This innovative silk, produced without harming silkworms or using chemical dyes, is being promoted by the state’s Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts department.

A live demonstration at the ‘Odisha Mandap’ highlights the sustainable and ethical silk production process, drawing significant attention from visitors and fashion enthusiasts.

Unlike conventional methods where silkworms are boiled alive in their cocoons, ‘Karuna Silk’ allows the silkworms to mature into butterflies, leaving behind their cocoons. These hatched cocoons are later processed to extract silk fibers.

The name ‘Karuna,’ meaning compassion in Odia, reflects the method’s cruelty-free ethos, redefining traditional silk-making practices while aligning with sustainable fashion trends.