Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble (CHE) 2024

The 23rd Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble (CHE) was launched on 23rd October 2024, at Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BCIHMCT). Celebrated for fostering creativity, sustainability, and excellence in the hospitality industry, CHE 2024 drew students, media, faculty, and industry leaders for an engaging three-day showcase. A key highlight of this year's edition of the event was the eagerly anticipated Zone Bar Wizard Challenge — a competition that underscored the synergy between innovative mixology and sustainable practices.

Chief Guest, Ramesh Takulia, Consultant for the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Guest of Honour, Dr. Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Director of the School for European Pastry and Culinary Art, and Prof. R. K. Bhandari, Principal of BCIHMCT attended the inaugural ceremony, setting the stage for an inspiring experience for aspiring hospitality professionals.

Zone Bar Wizard Challenge unfolded as a dynamic competition where students showcased creativity and technical skills, offering a platform to blend sustainable practices with mixology. Participants began with a preliminary round, competing in groups of ten to craft one innovative drinks. Five top finalists moved on to the final round, preparing a classic drinks that showcased their grasp of traditional techniques and originality. Supported by Zone — a brand with a family legacy dating back to 1921 and known for its diverse range of flavoured syrups —the challenge encouraged sustainable ingredient use and waste-minimising techniques.

Judges from the hospitality sector evaluated each cocktail on creativity, taste, presentation, and execution, offering participants valuable feedback. This thorough judging underscored the balance between creativity and classic bartending skills and highlighted bartending as an essential part of the hospitality experience.

The event concluded with a grand closing ceremony on 25th October 2024.