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The historic town of Chanderi has come alive with the launch of the three-month Chanderi Eco
Retreat and Fest, a celebration designed to spotlight the region as one of India’s most cherished
cultural and heritage destinations. Curated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board along with the
District Administration and Sunset Desert Camp, the festival opened with a vibrant blend of
tradition, textiles and tourism.
The inauguration began with a video message from Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan
Yadav, followed by the presence of several distinguished guests including Shri Jyotiraditya
Scindia, Union Minister of Communication & Development of the North Eastern Region, who
attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were Ashoknagar Collector Shri Aditya Singh, Shri
Yuvraj Padole of MP Tourism Board, William Bissell, Managing Director of Fabindia, and Ambuj
Narayan, CEO of Tata Taneira—reflecting the strong collaboration between government, artisans
and leading Indian craft-based brands.
Setting an elegant tone for the event, the opening day featured a special Fashion Show with
Fabindia taking the lead. The runway showcased exquisite collections from Taneira, Itokri, Noize
Jeans and Zee’s by Tajwar, each inspired by the intricate weaves and motifs that define
Chanderi’s globally admired handloom heritage.
During the ceremony, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted Chanderi’s unparalleled cultural value,
calling it “a living testament to India’s handloom legacy.” He praised Fabindia for its long-
standing role in taking Chanderi’s artistry to international audiences, ensuring that traditional
crafts continue to find a place in contemporary wardrobes.
The evening culminated with ‘Threads of Time: The Chanderi Saga’, a grand fashion-and-music
spectacle held at the tent city. Fabindia unveiled a curated line inspired by the textures and
motifs of Chanderi, reaffirming its decades-long partnership with the region’s weaving
community. Speaking at the event, William N. Bissell expressed pride in Fabindia’s 25-year
journey with Chanderi’s artisans, emphasizing that the involvement of younger generations will
help the craft flourish globally.
Beyond cultural showcases, the Chanderi Eco Retreat offers an immersive travel experience for
visitors. Adventure activities such as hot air balloon glow shows, ATV rides, ziplining, and air-gun
shooting are paired with serene experiences like heritage walks, meditation sessions, yoga, and a
captivating light-and-sound show narrating Chanderi’s rich history.
Additional Chief Secretary and Managing Director of MP Tourism, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla,
described Chanderi as one of the state’s most treasured cultural landmarks, noting that the
festival is not just an event but a celebration of the town’s spirit, craftsmanship and timeless
legacy.
The opening day sets the stage for a dynamic five-day cultural lineup within the broader three-
month festival, offering everything from weaving workshops and buyer–seller meets to musical
nights and wellness activities. With this grand beginning, the Chanderi Eco Retreat and Fest
promises to be a memorable journey into the artistry, history and soulful charm of Chanderi.
