Get set for the 'Desi Oon Festival'

The fifth edition of "The Desi Oon Festival - Fibre of our Past and Future," which honors India's wool heritage, will take place at the Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi from December 7 to 11.

It is a cooperative effort involving organizations from pastoral landscapes across the nation that works closely with shepherds, knitters, felters, spinners, and weavers to integrate indigenous wool into our lives, homes, and wardrobes. The Desi Oon Hub launched this initiative, which is supported by the Centre For Pastoralism (CfP).

This year's festival's main theme, "Waking up to the Wealth in Wool," emphasizes how crucial it is to appreciate the intrinsic value that wool possesses. Desi Oon Hub members who are at the forefront of developing, revitalizing, or inventing systems that are influenced by and built in partnership with the wool cultural groups throughout India will be highlighted in a special area of the festival.

The festival will feature an array of installations, workshops, and demonstrations showcasing the artistry of wool. Additionally, a curated selection of woollen products produced by a network of 20 partner organizations will be available for purchase.


Pastoral Voice is an educational part that will provide insight into traditional knowledge systems, adaptation techniques, and issues faced by pastoralists in today's changing world. uses of native wool will be highlighted in an Industry Innovation and R&D area. These uses include grow bags, packaging, sound insulation, and thermal insulation for structures. Prototypes and proof-of-concepts in varying stages of development will be available for visitors to examine. The amazing qualities of Indian sheep wool will be made more accessible to tourists through an interactive area and creative exhibit.

"India has the third-largest sheep population in the world, but ranks as the second largest importer of wool," stated Vasant Saberwal, Director of the Center for Pastoralism. Because the business favours long staple, fine wool over shorter staple, coarse wool produced in India, approximately 80% of indigenous wool is abandoned. We concentrate on encouraging creative applications of wool and reviving native wool-related crafts.