Surat is becoming a major attraction for cricket fans as the excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 grows this year. The IPL Fan Park has been organized at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, where fans can enjoy live matches on a big screen.

The live broadcast of each match aims to provide an authentic stadium experience, allowing spectators to feel as if they are in a real stadium. Entry to the fan park is completely free, enabling more people to participate in this cricket festival. The atmosphere is further enhanced by music, merchandise, food stalls, drinks, and various exciting activities.

The crowd, filled with cheers, slogans, face painting, and support for their teams, creates a vibrant cricketing environment. Fans are openly cheering for their favorite players and teams while enjoying their special 'fan moments.' These fan parks, organized in about 50 cities across the country, are spreading the IPL craze to every corner. Millions of cricket enthusiasts are expected to participate this season, making this event one of the largest fan experiences to date.

Organizers state that the excitement for the IPL is increasing every year, and this time they are making efforts to make it even more memorable through the fan park. For cricket lovers in Surat, this is a golden opportunity to enjoy live matches with stadium-like energy right in their city.

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The shoe fabric industry is rapidly establishing itself in Surat, known as the textile capital of the country. While the city's textile industry is 30–40 years old, the production of fabric used for shoes began in the last 8–12 years and has seen significant growth in the past 5–6 years.

According to Girdhar Gopal Mundra, associated with the textile industry, the increasing demand for sports and casual footwear and the need for alternatives to imports from China have accelerated this sector. Surat has already been strong in man-made fibers (MMF) like polyester and nylon, which are the primary basis for shoe fabric. The total textile production in Surat is estimated to be around 6.5 million meters per day.

Although the share of shoe fabric in this is still limited, it is rapidly increasing. Industry estimates suggest that currently, about 500,000 to 1.5 million meters of shoe fabric are produced daily in the city, including various categories such as mesh, knitted, PU coated, and non-woven. It was noted that the production of shoe fabric in Surat is primarily done by MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium) units.

Major international brands do not produce directly here but source fabric from local manufacturers. Some of the prominent units active in this sector include Om Textile (PU leather shoe fabric), Praveen Overseas (ladies' footwear fabric), Radiance Spoonbond Pvt. Ltd.

(non-woven fabric), Nimbark Fabrics (knitted fabric), Shriyan Texfab (sports fabric), Sudamo Impex (Madhusudan Group), and Star Knits. Currently, the textile industry is facing challenges such as rising costs and fluctuations in demand. The increase in crude oil and yarn prices has raised production costs, leading some units to slow down production.

Despite this, the shoe fabric sector is in a phase of growth, especially with the continuous increase in demand for sports, casual, and women's footwear. Experts believe that in the next 3–5 years, it could become a significant segment. Several key reasons contribute to the rapid development of this industry in Surat, including a strong base of MMF, with polyester and nylon production making Surat a leading center in the country.

All processes from yarn to weaving, dyeing, coating, and finishing are available in the same city. Additionally, high-speed production is possible with airjet, waterjet, and knitting machines. The advantage of cost-effective production and labor compared to China is also notable.

Footwear hubs in Agra, Delhi, and South India source extensively from Surat. Small units can quickly change designs and produce in smaller quantities. It is clear that Surat's shoe fabric industry is still in its emerging phase, but given the current pace, it could take the city to a new industrial dimension in the coming years.

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The Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA) held a Board of Directors meeting on April 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the FOSTTA office. Several important decisions regarding the upcoming elections were unanimously made with the consent of all directors present.

It was decided that only those traders whose membership fees are received at the FOSTTA office by April 30, 2026, will be eligible to become candidates and vote in the upcoming elections. Members whose fees are received after the stipulated date will remain members of the organization but will not be able to participate in this year's elections. FOSTTA has categorized membership into three categories—Platinum, Diamond, and Gold.

Only one candidate from each market can contest in each category, while the voting rights will remain with all eligible members. Additionally, only those markets that submit their maintenance fees by April 30 will have members eligible to become candidates in the elections. Members from markets with outstanding fees will only be able to vote and will not be able to become candidates.

It was also decided in the meeting that members engaged in business in single houses or other areas instead of markets will be required to submit one year of maintenance fees by the stipulated date to be eligible to become candidates; otherwise, they will only have voting rights. Membership has been provided based on the GST number, so members can contest elections only from the respective market according to the address registered in their GST. FOSTTA announced that the appointment of the election officer, election date, and other detailed information will be announced soon.

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The ongoing conflict in West Asia has begun to impact costs in Surat, Gujarat's textile hub. Many units have either reduced their daily working hours or decreased their active production days.

Some officials claim that the industry is currently facing a loss of approximately 100 crore rupees daily. Surat city is one of the largest centers for the production of man-made fabrics in India. The South Gujarat Textile Processors Association has decided to reduce the working days of these units from seven to five days a week to control rising costs.

The association's president, Jitendra Vaktania, provided this information. He stated that due to rising prices of raw materials and coal, the textile processing industry in Surat and South Gujarat is facing a crisis. Ashok Jirawala, president of the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association and vice president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reported that many units have also reduced their production cycle from 24 hours to 12 hours per day, affecting overall production.

He mentioned that conditions have become quite difficult, and the industry is currently facing a loss of approximately 90-100 crore rupees daily. This crisis has been exacerbated by a shortage of labor. According to industry estimates, there has been a 35 percent reduction in the number of workers.

Jirawala noted that over 2,000 migrant workers have left the city in recent weeks. Previously, the migration of workers had begun due to a shortage of cooking gas cylinders, putting even more pressure on operations. He reported that the prices of imported raw materials, including man-made fibers, have also increased by 30-35 percent.

Vaktania stated that there has been a 25-30 percent decline in work across all sectors, including weaving, processing, and trade. He expressed hope that despite the current downturn, demand would increase with the upcoming wedding season, providing some relief to the sector. Champalal Bothra, national president of the Confederation of All India Traders, mentioned that before the international crisis, the industry produced approximately seven crore meters of fabric daily.

However, production has now dropped to about half. He indicated that even after the conflict subsides and factors such as thread prices and labor availability stabilize, it may take two to three months for the industry to return to normalcy. Recently, Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi held a review meeting with industry leaders in Surat and assured them of adequate supply of five-kilogram LPG cylinders for workers.

Surat- The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has started to show a significant impact on the prominent textile market of Surat. Increasing uncertainty along with a surge in the prices of raw materials and fuel has created an atmosphere of instability in the market, leaving the trading community deeply concerned.

In light of these developments, a crucial meeting was organized by Prahlad Agarwal, the president of the Arhatiya Association, at Rajhans Imperia. As per agency report, traders during the meeting described the current circumstances as grave, noting that just as life cannot exist without water and the national economy cannot function without petrol and diesel, commercial activities are being severely hindered under the present conditions.

The meeting highlighted that rising costs have led to a state of confusion within the market, which is directly affecting the production units in Surat. One of the biggest concerns raised by the participants was the migration of laborers, which is emerging as a serious challenge for the textile industry.

To protect the interests of traders, several important suggestions were proposed during the session, with a particular emphasis on adopting an open rate policy to maintain transparency in the market. Additionally, the Arhatiya Association issued a stern warning against supplying textiles to traders who have a poor payment record or have been blacklisted.

The association further clarified that any supplier found conducting business with restricted or fraudulent traders would be considered an accomplice and face disciplinary action. The meeting concluded with the expression of confidence that the Surat textile market has always followed the guidance of its representative organizations and will continue to take collective decisions to safeguard business interests in the future.

Surat: The escalating war-like situation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has started to impact the international market and the textile industry in Surat. A sharp rise in crude oil prices has led to a rapid increase in the cost of various types of yarn, while immediate deliveries have become unavailable. This situation has made it increasingly difficult for weavers to manufacture grey cloth.

Weavers leader and Sachin Industrial Society secretary Mayur Golwala suggested that if weavers are unable to bear the manufacturing costs of grey cloth under the current circumstances, it would be more practical for them to halt production and observe a holiday for two to three days a week. He urged the government to ensure the availability of affordable and high-quality imported yarn to keep the weaving industry operational and protect the jobs of thousands of workers, as per agency report.

Golwala pointed out that the price of crude oil, which is the primary raw material for manufacturing yarn, surged from approximately 73 dollars on March 4 to around 100 dollars. This sudden price hike has caused significant losses in Surat, which serves as a major hub for man-made fibre textile manufacturing and consumes thousands of tons of polyester, viscose, and nylon yarn daily. Over the past week to ten days, spinners have raised the price of polyester yarn by about 20 rupees per kilogram, while the prices of nylon mother yarn and filament yarn have increased by 25 to 30 rupees per kilogram. The anxiety among weavers further deepened on Monday when nylon spinners sent messages in the open market announcing a halt in yarn sales.

Spinners have reportedly been determining yarn prices based on international crude oil rates for the past week, strictly on the condition of ready delivery. This practice has escalated the capital costs for weavers, who typically operate on a 30-day payment cycle with grey cloth merchants. Golwala alleged that certain spinners are attempting to restrict yarn supply and inflate prices by forming an artificial cartel. Preparations are currently underway to lodge a formal complaint with the Competition Commission of India in the near future to ensure strict action against such practices.

Addressing the demands made by some nylon spinners to impose a minimum import price or anti-dumping duty on imported nylon yarn, Golwala argued that such measures would harm the interests of thousands of small weavers. He cautioned that restricting imported nylon yarn could lead to a market monopoly for a select few spinners, thereby weakening the financial standing of smaller weavers. He appealed to the government to prioritize the welfare of small weavers and implement relief measures for the industry rather than imposing restrictions on imported yarn.

Surat. The Sitex – Surat International Textile Expo 2026, organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Southern Gujarat Chamber Trade and Industries Development Center, is receiving a tremendous response from buyers and visitors. Held at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center in Sarsana on February 21, 22, and 23, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm, the event has become historic with the presence of over 17,410 people in just two days.

Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi informed that world-class textile machinery is being displayed at the exhibition. As per agency report, the launch of the world's first four-sheet high-speed rapier jacquard machine was the main attraction of the expo. In addition to this, the latest range of high-speed airjet machines, new position printer machinery, position embroidery machinery, and circular knitting machines has also been showcased.

According to the statistics, 5,560 buyers and visitors arrived on the first day, Saturday, while this number increased to 11,850 on the second day, Sunday. Consequently, a total attendance of 17,410 visitors was recorded over the two days, which has provided extensive benefits to the exhibitors as well as the entire textile industry of Surat.

A large number of business representatives and individuals associated with the industry attended the expo from various industrial centers across the country, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Bhilwara, Varanasi, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Pune, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Chennai, and Bangalore. The industry believes that Sitex 2026 is proving to be a significant platform for the expansion of new technology, innovation, and business possibilities in the textile sector.

Surat Textile Market is one of the well-known textile destinations in the city. At the same time, Surat’s textile business is not limited to just one market. Textile trading takes place across several parts of the city, including Ring Road, Umarwada, Salabatpura, Sahara Darwaja, and the Saroli textile belt.

Each of these areas has multiple textile markets, and every market serves different types of buyers. Some markets focus on wholesale trade, some are known for specific textile products, and others are more suitable for exporters.

For buyers who are visiting Surat for the first time, understanding which area and which market to visit can be confusing.

Why Finding the Right Textile Market in Surat is Not Easy

Today, Surat has more than 200 textile markets. While this offers many options, it also creates confusion, especially for new and outstation buyers.

Buyers commonly face questions like:

• Which textile market should I visit first?
• Which market is best for sarees, lehengas, fabrics, or menswear?
• Which markets are suitable for wholesale or export buying?
• What are the correct opening days and timings?
• Where exactly is each market located?

Since this information is not easily available in one place, buyers often depend on agents, shop references, or trial-and-error visits. This leads to wasted time, extra travel, and sometimes missed buying opportunities.

SuratTextileMarkets.com - A Dedicated Website Focused on Surat’s Textile Markets

SuratTextileMarkets.com was created as an online directory focused only on Surat’s textile markets. The goal of the website is simple: to help buyers find the right textile market in Surat without confusion.

Instead of listing individual shops, the website provides separate detailed pages for each textile market. This helps buyers understand the market before they visit it physically.

What Information is Available on the Website

Each market listed on the website has its own detailed page. These pages are designed to answer the most common questions buyers have.

Market pages usually include:

• Market name and location
• Area and nearby landmarks
• Google Maps directions
• Opening days and timings
• What the market is best known for
• Who should visit the market (retailers, wholesalers, exporters)
• Why buyers prefer that market
• Images and, in some cases, 360-degree street views
• Frequently asked questions related to that market

This detailed structure allows buyers to understand multiple markets and compare them easily.

SuratTextileMarkets.com vs Other Platforms

Many buyers try to find information about Surat’s textile business using popular platforms such as Justdial, IndiaMART, or general business directories.

While these platforms are useful for finding individual shops, manufacturers, or suppliers, they do not help buyers understand which textile market they should visit.

Most listing platforms focus on:

• Shop names or company profiles

• Contact numbers and addresses

• Product listings from individual sellers

They do not explain how Surat’s textile markets are organised or how different markets serve different buyer needs.

SuratTextileMarkets.com works in a different way.

Instead of listing shops or manufacturers, the website focuses on textile markets as a whole. It helps visitors understand:

• Which textile market is suitable for their requirement
• What each market is best known for
• Who should visit that market
• Whether the market is better for wholesale, retail, or export buying

This market-first approach helps buyers make better decisions before visiting Surat, rather than searching for shops without knowing if the market itself is suitable.

Why a Central Market Guide Was Needed?

Surat’s textile trade works at the market level. Each market has its own speciality, buyer type, and working pattern. Knowing this information before visiting the city can make a big difference in planning and decision-making.

Many buyers simply needed a single website where they could:

• See a list of textile markets in Surat
• Understand what each market is known for
• Decide which markets match their buying needs

This gap led to the creation of a dedicated platform.

How This Helps Buyers, Traders, and Exporters

With all market information available online:

• Buyers can shortlist markets before visiting Surat
• First-time visitors feel more confident
• Wholesalers save time by visiting only relevant markets
• Exporters can plan visits across areas like Ring Road and Saroli efficiently

Instead of spending the first day just exploring, buyers can start sourcing with a clear plan.

Making Textile Buying in Surat Easier

SuratTextileMarkets.com helps reduce dependency on middlemen for basic information. Buyers can independently research markets and arrive prepared.

This not only saves time but also improves the overall buying experience in Surat.

Supporting a Better Buying Experience

As Surat continues to grow as a textile hub, access to clear and organised market information becomes more important. Buyers today prefer to plan ahead rather than rely only on local references.

By creating detailed pages for Surat’s textile markets and keeping information organised in one place, SuratTextileMarkets.com is helping buyers make better decisions and navigate the city’s textile markets more smoothly.

New Delhi January 7. A two-day National Textile Ministers Conference 2026 is set to be organized in Assam to discuss policies, investment, environmental safety, exports, infrastructure development, and new technology related to the textile sector. The announcement regarding the event was made on Wednesday.

The conference is being organized in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Textiles and the Government of Assam and will commence on January 8 in Guwahati. Textile ministers and senior officials from all states and union territories across the country are scheduled to participate in this significant gathering.

The event is being held under the theme of India's Textile Industry: Convergence of Development, Heritage, and Innovation, with the primary objective of establishing India as a global textile manufacturing hub by the year 2030. As per agency report, the deliberations aim to develop a 350 billion dollar textile industry and achieve an export target of 100 billion dollars by 2030. Additionally, the conference will emphasize increasing exports, generating employment, and fostering inclusive growth, conceptualized as development alongside heritage.

The inaugural session will witness the presence of Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, and other dignitaries. The discussions will cover a wide range of subjects including infrastructure and investment, enhancing India's textile exports, raw materials and fibers, technical textiles and modern fibers, as well as the promotion of handlooms and handicrafts.

Special attention will be directed towards the Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks, environmental conservation, new technology, innovation, and the development of the entire textile industry value chain. The statement noted that ministers and officials from all states and union territories will share their best practices, challenges, and policy suggestions to strengthen the industry in every region. The government maintains that this conference will bolster cooperation between the center and the states, creating a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive roadmap for India's textile sector.

Surat, December 9 : The Textile Festival organized by the Global Fabric Resource and Research Center (GFRRC) of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) concluded on Monday, December 8. The event, which commenced on December 1, was held at Samruddhi in Nanpura. On the final day of the festival, Chairman of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) Santosh Kataria and Mentor Rahul Mehta were present as the keynote speaker and chief guest, respectively.

In his welcome address, Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi highlighted that the textile sector in Surat is progressing rapidly despite various challenges. He noted that while there has been significant development in the fabric segment, the garment sector still holds immense potential. It was observed, as per agency report, that the primary focus of the concluding session was to analyze the gaps and opportunities within the local industry to transition towards garment manufacturing.

CMAI Chairman Santosh Kataria stated that there is no unique platform like Surat anywhere else in India, describing it as a ready platform for the garment industry. He pointed out that the city is equipped with every necessary facility to expand the garment industry, including labor, raw materials, logistics, and infrastructure. However, he expressed surprise that despite the availability of these resources, the garment sector in the region has not witnessed the expected level of development.

Kataria provided detailed guidance on new sales channels such as e-commerce, Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO), CMAI B2B platforms, and front-end marketing. He emphasized that once a brand is created, social media can be utilized to rapidly expand its reach across the country.

CMAI Mentor Rahul Mehta remarked that textiles serve as the raw material for garments, and therefore, both the textile and garment sectors must move forward in unison. He suggested that if Surat advances in value addition, it will open up immense possibilities. He clarified that the intention is not to abandon textiles but to prioritize diversification for expansion. Mehta urged the industry to encourage the new generation to venture into the garment sector and stressed the importance of adopting productivity measures, technology, and modern production processes.

The program was attended by several industrialists and professionals, including the Chamber's Honorary Treasurer CA Mitesh Modi and former Presidents Mahendra Kajiwala and Indravadan. The session was moderated by GFRRC Co-chairman Atul Patel. The festival concluded after the experts addressed queries raised by the audience.

Surat, November 28: The Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA) and the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) jointly organized a seminar at the SIECC campus in Sarsana. The event focused on critical themes regarding the policy framework for Indian textiles, covering the current scenario and future prospects, as well as understanding the present landscape of Indian textile exports. A significant number of textile manufacturers and exporters from the city participated in the session.

SGCCI President Nikhilbhai Madrasi delivered the welcome address, highlighting the necessity for the sector to comprehend government policies and export requirements. Vice President Ashok Jirawala presented the inaugural address. As per agency report, MANTRA Chairman Rajnikant Bachkaniwala shared his views on the objective and utility of the program, stating that the Indian textile industry must maximize the benefits of new policies and opportunities amidst the changing global landscape.

During the technical sessions, S.P. Verma, Director of the Product Development Center at Wealth Wisdom India Private Limited, gave a presentation on the policy framework for Indian textiles. He provided detailed information regarding various government policies, schemes, and the benefits available to the industry. Following this, Viral Shah, Founder and Director of the Export Import Leadership Institute, delivered a lecture on understanding the current scenario of Indian textile exports. Through practical examples, he advised the industries in Surat to increase their focus on exports and emphasized the importance of identifying potential global opportunities.

The experts sensitized the industry regarding government schemes, policy shifts, changes in the value chain, and export-driven strategies. The primary objective was to enable the Surat textile community to leverage government schemes effectively to enhance their share in global markets. The program was moderated by Himanshu Desai, Head of the Environment Department at MANTRA, while MANTRA Secretary Prafull Gandhi expressed gratitude to all the guests and those who supported the event.

Surat. The Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA), recognized by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has launched employment-oriented technical courses and energy efficiency training programs for youth in Surat.

As per report, established in 1981, MANTRA is one of the eight national-level textile research associations in India and a leading institute in the field of man-made fibers. It has been accorded SIRO (Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) status by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Located in Surat, the MANTRA Garment Technology Centre provides technical education to young individuals seeking career opportunities in the garment and textile sector. In collaboration with Kaushalya – The Skill University, Ahmedabad, MANTRA has introduced a one-year certificate course in fashion design and garment technology. Students who have passed Class 10 or 12 and possess two years of relevant experience are eligible for admission.

The course curriculum includes pattern making, garment cutting, industrial visits, and hands-on training. Upon completion, participants can pursue careers as fashion designers, pattern masters, or production assistants, or they can establish their own boutiques. The objective of MANTRA’s initiative is to empower youth with technical proficiency, enabling them not only to seek jobs but also to become job providers.

In addition to technical training, MANTRA has played a significant role in promoting energy conservation in Gujarat. Since November 2004, it has been recognized as an authorized energy auditor by the Chief Electrical Inspector, Gandhinagar. Over the past five years, the institute has successfully conducted energy audits for more than 300 industrial units, out of which 262 units had a connected demand exceeding 200 KVA, highlighting MANTRA’s efficiency and credibility in the field.

The institute’s energy auditing team comprises BEE-certified auditors, electrical engineers, and technical experts equipped with modern instruments such as Yokogawa Harmonic Analyzer, Infrared Thermometer, and Digital Anemometer to ensure precise and reliable audits.

In collaboration with Kaushalya University, MANTRA has also started a free certificate course on “Advanced Energy Auditing Techniques.” The program aims to train youth in industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors for energy conservation, cost control, and efficiency improvement. Participants will gain practical experience through on-site visits and real-time audit exercises, preparing them for professional roles in the growing field of energy management.