Posted On:
24 OCT 2026 5:01PM by PIB Ahmedabad
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, successfully organised the third edition of CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026, an eight-day celebration of India’s rich craft heritage, traditional skills and contemporary design innovation, from 23 to 30 October 2026 at Event Centre A, Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad. Based on the theme “स्वर्णिम भारत – विरासत और विकास | Swarnim Bharat – Heritage and Growth,” the event brought together master artisans, NIFT alumni, designers, students and craft enthusiasts to celebrate India’s diverse handloom and handicraft traditions.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, inaugurated the event and visited the exhibition stalls, interacting with artisans and appreciating their exceptional craftsmanship and the rich diversity of India’s handmade traditions. A special highlight of his visit was becoming a proud owner of the CHHAAP Craft Passport, an initiative that encouraged visitors to explore India’s diverse crafts, engage with artisans and discover the cultural stories behind handcrafted products.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, said, “CHHAAP@Sabarmati is a meaningful initiative to celebrate India’s living craft heritage while connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, innovation and entrepreneurship. By bringing artisans, designers, students and the public together, we aim to create greater appreciation for handmade traditions, strengthen sustainable livelihoods and ensure that the invaluable knowledge and skills of our artisans continue to inspire future generations.”
CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026 featured more than 100 stalls by artisans and NIFT alumni from across India, showcasing authentic handloom textiles, handicrafts and regional products. The exhibition provided artisans with a platform to display their skills, share the stories behind their creations and connect with new audiences, while promoting design entrepreneurship and strengthening links between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary markets.
The event also featured the Craft Theme Pavilion, live craft demonstrations, hands-on workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and Kala Vaarta – Craft Conversations, which facilitated dialogue among artisans, designers, academics and industry professionals on preserving traditional knowledge, encouraging innovation and creating sustainable livelihoods. Kala Darshan, an immersive virtual-reality experience, offered visitors a digital journey through India’s craft traditions, demonstrating how technology could support cultural interpretation and heritage awareness.
The opening-day celebrations featured Kala Sandhya, a cultural programme celebrating India’s national spirit and textile heritage. A specially curated fashion showcase by NIFT Gandhinagar, inspired by “Swarnim Bharat – Heritage and Growth,” reinterpreted India’s rich textile legacy through contemporary design. The programme also included a rendition of Vande Mataram by the Indian Air Force Band, Sabarmati Aarti and a spectacular drone show, bringing together culture, fashion, music, spirituality and technology.
Through CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026, NIFT Gandhinagar reaffirmed its commitment to preserving India’s living craft heritage, supporting artisan communities and fostering meaningful connections between traditional knowledge, design education, innovation and contemporary markets. The event presented Indian crafts as a dynamic part of the nation’s cultural identity and creative economy, encouraging visitors and younger generations to appreciate, preserve and carry forward these invaluable traditions.