Scindia hails Chanderi as living cultural symbol at Eco Retreat'25

The third edition of the Chanderi Eco Retreat 2025 was inaugurated on Friday near Katti Ghati by the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav via a video message. Union Minister of Communication and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, graced the occasion as the chief guest.Organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in collaboration with the Chanderi district administration and Sunset Desert Camp, the retreat will run for over three months, offering domestic and international tourists an immersive cultural, adventure and hospitality experience.Addressing the gathering, Scindia said Chanderi is not merely a point on the map but a vital chapter of India’s cultural identity, where history, heritage architecture and centuries-old weaving traditions coexist. Scindia noted that Chanderi has embodied the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’, with its forts, palaces and stepwells reflecting Bundelkhand’s rich aesthetic legacy.Scindia described Chanderi sarees as one of India’s most prestigious handloom arts, admired for their unique texture, intricate zari work and generational weaving techniques. He said that despite many challenges, the weavers of Chanderi have preserved and elevated their craft to global acclaim, strengthening the region’s place on the world cultural map.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, in a message sent from Ujjain for the event, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged strong support for indigenous products and artisans, and the state government will continue ensuring the growth and development of craftsmen. He highlighted that Chanderi is celebrated for its history, natural beauty, tourism appeal and its globally recognised weaving tradition. Chanderi sarees, woven by local artisans and protected by a GI tag, remain a major source of pride for the region.
Dr. Yadav said the three-month-long tent city(28 November 2025 to 28 February 2026) will attract visitors and generate new opportunities for local weavers and self-help groups. With growing interest from the film industry, Chanderi is emerging as a popular shooting destination. He added that the presence of leading fashion industry representatives at the retreat will further support local artisans, as live weaving demonstrations showcase the skill and creativity of Chanderi’s weavers.CM stated that initiatives under the ‘Industry and Employment Year 2025’ have strengthened support mechanisms for Chanderi’s artisans. Buyer–seller meets, handloom exhibitions, food fairs and light-and-sound shows at the retreat will promote Chanderi’s world-famous sarees and facilitate economic growth.

Following the inauguration, a fashion and music show titled “Threads of Time: The Chanderi Saga” was organised in the tent city. The event highlighted the evolution of Chanderi textiles through a contemporary artistic narrative. Prominent fashion brands including FabIndia, Taneira, Itokri, Noize Jeans and Zee’s by Tajwar showcased exclusive collections crafted from Chanderi fabric.The Chanderi Eco Retreat offers a variety of adventure activities and traditional cuisines from the Baghelkhand and Bundelkhand regions. Facilities such as a dedicated kids’ zone and indoor and outdoor games provide engaging experiences for families and children.The event saw attendance from several dignitaries, including New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla, Chanderi MLA Jagannath Singh Raghuwanshi, Mungaoli MLA Brajendra Singh Yadav, Alok Tiwari, Ashoknagar Collector Aditya Singh, MP Tourism Board Deputy Director (Events & Marketing) Yuvraj Padole, FabIndia Managing Director William Bissell and Taneira CEO Ambuj Narayan, among others.

(Asstt.Editor)