NIFT Gandhinagar to bring together 100+ artisan and alumni stalls, traditional textiles, live craft demonstrations, immersive VR experiences and cultural performances from 23–30 October in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad /Gandhinagar: India’s rich textile traditions, centuries-old craftsmanship and vibrant cultural diversity will take centre stage at CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026, an eight-day celebration organised by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, from 23 to 30 October 2026 at Event Centre A, Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.
Themed “स्वर्णिम भारत – विरासत और विकास | Rooted in Heritage. Reimagined for Tomorrow,” the event will bring together artisans representing 29 states and eight Union Territories, alongside NIFT alumni, students, designers and craft enthusiasts. With more than 100 artisan and NIFT alumni stalls, CHHAAP@Sabarmati will offer visitors an opportunity to discover India’s extraordinary diversity of handloom, handicrafts, textiles and traditional art forms under one roof.
Designed as a platform connecting heritage with contemporary creativity, the initiative aims to celebrate the people, skills and stories behind India’s handmade traditions while highlighting the role of design, innovation and entrepreneurship in creating new opportunities for artisan communities.
Celebrating India’s Textile Heritage and Artisan Communities
From intricate textile traditions and indigenous printing techniques to pottery, decorative crafts and handmade accessories, CHHAAP@Sabarmati will showcase the depth and diversity of India’s creative heritage. The craft marketplace will enable visitors to interact directly with artisans, understand the processes behind their work and purchase handcrafted products. The event will also feature the NIFT Theme Pavilion, the NIFT Craft Cluster Initiative and outreach exhibitions, highlighting how traditional knowledge can inspire contemporary design and sustainable creative practices.
Live demonstrations and hands-on workshops will offer visitors opportunities to experience crafts such as Saudagiri block printing, blue pottery, pottery, paper mâché and lac bangle making. These interactive sessions will bring traditional techniques closer to younger audiences and encourage greater appreciation for the time, skill and knowledge invested in handmade products.
Kala Darshan: Experience Indian Handloom Through Virtual Reality
One of the distinctive attractions of CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026 will be Kala Darshan, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience designed to offer visitors a technology-enabled encounter with India’s handloom heritage.
The experience will bring a new dimension to craft appreciation by allowing visitors to explore traditional textile practices through immersive technology. By combining cultural storytelling with digital innovation, Kala Darshan aims to create a more engaging connection between audiences and India’s textile traditions.
The event will also feature live craft demonstrations where visitors can watch artisans at work and experience aspects of their creative processes first-hand. Together, these activities will demonstrate how technology and interactive learning can complement traditional craftsmanship and help bring heritage to new audiences.
Ten Signature Experiences at CHHAAP@Sabarmati
The eight-day programme will feature ten signature experiences spanning craft, textiles, learning, cultural expression and contemporary design.
- Kala Sandhya – The Inaugural Signature Celebration: The opening evening on 23 October will feature patriotic and cultural performances, the Gujarat Police Band presenting Vande Mataram, Sabarmati Aarti, a curated fashion showcase inspired by India’s textile legacy and a special drone show. An Air Force band performance is also planned as part of the event programme.
- Kala Pradarshan – Craft Exhibition and Marketplace: A curated marketplace where visitors can discover and purchase handloom and handicraft products directly from artisans.
- Kala Pratyaksham – Live Demonstrations and Workshops: Interactive sessions showcasing traditional craft techniques, enabling visitors to observe artisans and participate in hands-on activities.
- Kala Vivechana – Panel Discussions: Conversations on heritage, craft identity, design-led development and emerging market opportunities.
- Kala Darshan – Immersive Craft Experiences: A distinctive VR-based experience bringing visitors closer to India’s handloom and craft heritage through technology.
- Kala Vaarta – Craft Conversations: Knowledge-sharing sessions featuring artisans, designers and experts discussing traditional skills, materials and contemporary creative practices.
- Kala Kumbh – A Celebration of Textile Masterpieces: A showcase celebrating the diversity, artistry and cultural significance of India’s textile traditions.
- Kala Gurukul – Masterclasses: Learning opportunities led by experienced practitioners and experts, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary creative approaches.
- Kala Navonaksham – NIFT Theme Pavilion: A showcase of design perspectives that draw inspiration from India’s heritage while exploring future-facing possibilities.
- Kala Samagam – Valedictory Celebration: The concluding programme on 30 October, bringing together artisans, designers and members of the creative community for a final celebration of shared knowledge and cultural exchange.
Cultural Performances, Food and Community Participation
Beyond its craft and textile showcases, CHHAAP@Sabarmati will feature a vibrant cultural programme celebrating India’s regional traditions through music and dance. Visitors can look forward to performances including Gujarati Garba and Dandiya, Rajasthani Kalbelia, Rajasthani folk music, Punjabi Bhangra and Giddha, alongside a live performance by an Ahmedabad-based orchestra. The planned Air Force band performance and special drone show will add further attractions to the programme.
A variety of food stalls will also offer visitors an opportunity to explore different culinary offerings while enjoying the event. The participation of 25 Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) schools will bring a strong educational and community dimension to the celebration, encouraging students to engage with India’s crafts, textiles and cultural heritage. Through these activities, CHHAAP@Sabarmati aims to create an inclusive experience for families, students, design professionals, tourists and craft enthusiasts.
Connecting Traditional Knowledge with Viksit Bharat
India’s handloom and handicraft sectors represent more than artistic expression. They sustain traditional livelihoods, preserve regional identities and carry forward knowledge passed down through generations. CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026 seeks to strengthen recognition of this contribution while exploring how contemporary design, digital experiences and entrepreneurship can create new possibilities for the sector. By bringing artisans into direct conversation with consumers, students and designers, the initiative will encourage knowledge exchange and greater understanding of the value of handmade products.
The event’s theme reflects the broader vision of preserving India’s cultural inheritance while enabling it to evolve for future generations. From traditional weaving and craft techniques to technology-led interpretation, the programme will highlight the potential of innovation to complement, rather than replace, the knowledge of artisan communities.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, said the theme reflects a vision of fostering meaningful dialogue between India’s rich cultural heritage and its aspirations for the future. Set against the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront and the landmark Atal Bridge, the event will provide a platform to showcase India’s living craft traditions, support artisan communities and connect traditional knowledge with contemporary design sensibilities.
Public Invitation & Registration
NIFT Gandhinagar invites media organisations, artisans, craft enthusiasts, textile professionals, designers, students, families and members of the public to participate in CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026.
The event will take place from 23 to 30 October 2026 at Event Centre A, Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.
Registration and e-passes: https://register.chhaap.tech/register
CHHAAP@Sabarmati 2026 promises to be an opportunity to experience India’s textile and craft heritage up close, celebrate the creativity of its artisan communities and discover how traditional craftsmanship can inspire tomorrow’s design.
