Ahmedabad: For generations, artisans from Nalanda have woven 52 motifs into Bawan Buti saris. In Ahmedabad, their craft shares space with a Chamba Rumal and a Patola weave bearing the image of Marilyn Monroe. More than 100 artisans from across India are participating in Chhaap (Imprint) 2026, being held at the Sabarmati Riverfront till Oct 30.The event highlights how artisans are using contemporary designs and products to keep traditional crafts relevant.
Artisan showcasing Bawan Buti at Chhaap 2026 being held at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad
Kamlesh Kumar, an artisan who practises the Bawan Buti craft, said the patterns are created through extra-weft weaving and must total 52. “The fabric may be made of cotton, silk or a blend of the two. Its finesse has helped it endure as a legacy of the region,” he said.Chhaap is a flagship initiative of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), providing a platform to artisans from across the country. NIFT Gandhinagar is hosting the event in Gujarat for the first time.
A Rajkot Patola weaver created these art pieces inspired by American actress Marilyn Monroe and Ahmedabad’s iconic Siddi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, which is being exhibited at Chhaap 2026 being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
A Rajkot Patola weaver created these art pieces inspired by American actress Marilyn Monroe and Ahmedabad’s iconic Siddi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, which is being exhibited at Chhaap 2026 being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
Mukesh Rathod, a Rajkot Patola weaver from Surendranagar, has used traditional techniques to create motifs inspired by Ahmedabad’s Sidi Saiyed Jali and Marilyn Monroe.
This artisan from Vidarbha’s handloom cluster, has reworked the GI-tagged Karvati Kinar saris with new motifs, colours and products. It is on display at Chhaap 2026 being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
Manish Joshi Mohadi, from Vidarbha’s handloom cluster, has reworked the GI-tagged Karvati Kinar saris with new motifs, colours and products.“The sari gets its name from its distinctive karvati, or saw-like, kinar, or border. It is typically made of Tussar silk and brings together several weaving traditions. Artisans like me are giving it a new lease of life through new motifs, colour schemes and products that can appeal to younger generations,” Joshi said.
The Chamba Rumal or handkerchief from Himachal Pradesh, made using embroidered using a double-sided stitch that ensures that both sides look identical. It is being showcased at Chhaap 2026 being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
Anjali Vakil from Himachal Pradesh is showcasing the Chamba Rumal. She said her mother-in-law is a well-known practitioner of the craft, which involves embroidery on a large handkerchief.“The uniqueness of the Chamba Rumal lies in its double-sided stitch, which makes both sides look identical. Religious motifs are commonly used. The craft was once close to extinction, but the GI tag has helped attract younger practitioners, who are experimenting with products beyond the traditional handkerchief,” she said.
An artisan displays delicate Kashmiri embroidery at Chhaap 2026 being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
The event also features a virtual reality showcase of region-specific crafts. NIFT-G director Sameer Sood said students and faculty identified eight to nine major crafts from each state and created informative, interactive walkthroughs for visitors. The exhibits can be experienced through headsets.
Crafts on display at Chhaap 2026 being held at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
