Eight days of colours, creativity, craftsmanship and cultural celebration came to a memorable close as CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026, organised by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, concluded on 30 October 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, Ahmedabad.

Held from 23 to 30 October, the third edition of CHHAAP was organised around the theme “स्वर्णिम भारत – विरासत और विकास | Rooted in Heritage. Reimagined for Tomorrow.” The celebration brought together nearly 95 artisans and master craftspeople from different parts of the country, along with designers, students, academicians, craft enthusiasts and visitors. It created a shared space where India's traditional craftsmanship met contemporary design, fresh ideas and new possibilities.

The event was graced by the presence of Inspector General Tekur Sashi Kumar, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (North-West); Shri Banchhanidhi Pani, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC); and Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai, Founder and Director, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad.

Conceptualised under the vision and leadership of Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, CHHAAP 3.0 went beyond being an exhibition and sale of crafts. It became a vibrant platform for bringing artisans closer to people, connecting traditional skills with contemporary design and opening new conversations about the future of India's craft heritage.

The eight-day celebration featured exhibitions, live craft demonstrations, workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, interactive sessions, cultural performances and immersive digital experiences. The valedictory ceremony marked the culmination of these activities with the felicitation of outstanding artisans and participants, special cultural performances, a vote of thanks and a spectacular fireworks display.

An Encouraging Response from Visitors and Buyers

One of the most heartening aspects of CHHAAP 3.0 was the enthusiasm shown by visitors and buyers. Nearly 95 artisans and master craftspeople presented an extraordinary range of handloom and handicraft products, each reflecting the distinctive skills, traditions and cultural identities of their regions.

The response to the exhibition and sale was particularly encouraging. Nearly 10,000 specially designed bags, created by NIFT Gandhinagar students for distribution among buyers, were taken by visitors within the first two days. Several artisans reported excellent sales, with some even selling their entire stock during the initial days.

For the participating craftspeople, the event offered more than a marketplace. It provided an opportunity to interact directly with customers, share the stories behind their creations and introduce their traditional products to new audiences. The encouraging response also highlighted the growing interest in handmade products and the importance of creating sustainable market opportunities for artisan communities.

Conversations that Celebrate and Strengthen Indian Crafts

CHHAAP 3.0 also created meaningful opportunities to discuss the challenges, opportunities and changing relevance of India's traditional crafts.

A special interaction with Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handlooms and Handicrafts, brought attention to Geographical Indications (GI), Indian Knowledge Systems and the importance of protecting traditional knowledge while creating better opportunities for artisans and craft communities.

Another important discussion focused on Khadi and its place in contemporary fashion and lifestyle. Mr. Ashish Satyavrat Sahu shared insights into popularising Khadi, including through the Mann Ki Baat initiative, and highlighted how design innovation can help traditional crafts connect with younger audiences.

Mr. Himanshu Sahni, Co-founder of fashion label 11.11, spoke about the importance of working closely with Khadi producers and artisans and giving traditional textiles a contemporary identity. The discussion also highlighted the international visibility received by the brand's Tangaliya shirt, worn by Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. Prof. Dr. Sudha Dhingra, Director, COEK, shared perspectives on preserving, promoting and strengthening the relevance of Khadi in today's context.

These conversations reinforced the need to keep traditional crafts relevant through thoughtful design, innovation, collaboration and stronger connections with contemporary markets.

Learning from Master Artisans: Inspiring the Next Generation

The spirit of learning and exchange remained at the heart of CHHAAP throughout the eight days. Live demonstrations and hands-on workshops gave visitors an opportunity to see traditional craft techniques up close, understand the effort behind handmade products and interact directly with the artisans who keep these traditions alive.

A special initiative, Kala Vaarta – Craft Conversations, brought together nearly 100 students from design institutions in Ahmedabad for engaging interactions with master artisans. The discussions explored the future of Indian crafts, the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, the role of contemporary design and the importance of preserving traditional skills in a rapidly changing world.

The workshops and interactive activities also attracted appreciation from representatives of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, along with visitors, students and design enthusiasts.

Kala Darshan: Taking India's Craft Heritage into the Digital World

Among the major attractions of CHHAAP 3.0 was Kala Darshan, an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience that offered visitors a new way to discover India's diverse craft traditions.

Through an interactive digital map of India, illuminated geographical representations, visual storytelling, spatial audio and three-dimensional environments, visitors could explore the unique crafts and cultural identities of different states. The experience brought traditional craftsmanship closer to younger audiences through an engaging blend of heritage and technology.

The initiative received an encouraging response from visitors. Appreciating its potential, Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handlooms and Handicrafts also shared the possibility of showcasing Kala Darshan at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, which could help take this digital craft experience to a wider audience.

The event also incorporated Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), digital platforms, Craft Passport initiatives and creative installations, demonstrating how emerging technologies can help document, interpret and promote India's rich craft traditions.

Honouring the Hands and Stories Behind India's Crafts

An important moment of the valedictory ceremony was the recognition of participating artisans and outstanding contributors through the CHHAAP Awards and special felicitations.

Artisans honoured with prestigious recognitions, including Padma Shri and National Awards, were felicitated for their exceptional contributions to preserving and promoting India's traditional art and craft heritage.

The recognition was a tribute not just to individual achievements but also to the generations of knowledge, dedication and skill that master craftspeople carry forward. Behind every handmade creation lies a story of patience, practice, creativity and a deep connection with cultural roots. CHHAAP provided a platform to acknowledge and celebrate these stories.

Kala Sandhya: An Evening Filled with Culture and Celebration

The concluding evening came alive with Kala Sandhya, a vibrant cultural presentation celebrating India's artistic diversity. Musical and dance performances by NIFT students added colour and energy to the celebrations, bringing together the spirit of creativity and cultural expression.

The celebrations also recalled the magnificent performance by the Indian Air Force Band during the opening-day programme, which had added a special sense of pride and enthusiasm to the inauguration.

A spectacular fireworks display brought the eight-day celebration to a memorable close, marking not just the end of an event but the successful coming together of people, traditions and ideas under the spirit of Swarnim Bharat.

A Collective Effort Behind a Successful Celebration

The successful organisation of CHHAAP 3.0 was made possible through the valuable support of government organisations, sponsors, partner institutions, artisans and several other stakeholders.

The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; Development Commissioner for Handlooms; iNDEXTb, Government of Gujarat; Union Bank of India; IDBI Bank; Bandhan Bank; and Punjab & Sind Bank extended their support to the initiative.

NIFT Gandhinagar also acknowledged the cooperation of the South Western Air Command and Indian Air Force, Ahmedabad Police and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The dedication and contribution of faculty members, the Student Council, student volunteers, supporting staff and technical teams played an important role in bringing the event together.

On the successful conclusion of CHHAAP 3.0, Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, expressed his gratitude to the participating artisans, visitors, dignitaries, sponsors, partner organisations, faculty members, students and everyone associated with the event. He acknowledged their collective efforts in making the celebration a meaningful platform for India's craft communities and creative fraternity.

As the curtains came down on CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026, the celebration left behind more than memories of exhibitions, performances and workshops. It strengthened the connection between artisans and audiences, opened new avenues for traditional craftsmanship and encouraged young designers to engage with India's rich cultural legacy.

CHHAAP 3.0 reaffirmed a simple yet powerful thought: India's crafts are not merely a part of its glorious past; they are living traditions that continue to inspire creativity, create livelihoods and shape the possibilities of tomorrow.

 

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