Guwahati, Dec 5: The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, a landmark three-day event celebrating the Northeast’s vibrant culture, crafts, and economic potential, will kick off at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in Delhi on December 6. This inaugural event is organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), and Invest India.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav showcases the rich diversity of Northeast India, highlighting the region’s crafts, art, and cultural heritage in a grand commercial manner
The eight states of the Northeast, often referred to as the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ or eight forms of prosperity, contribute significantly to India’s cultural, social, and economic firmaments.
Many programmes have been lined up during the three-day festival to showcase the region’s huge potential in different sectors and its vibrant culture.
The Mahotsav provides an unprecedented platform to showcase the region’s vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, and unique Geographical Indication (GI) products.
A special fashion show by show director Prasad Bidapa with top designers from the Northeast Region like Jenjum Gadi from Arunachal Pradesh, Priyanka D. Patwari from Assam, Daniel Syeim from Meghalaya, Richana Khunmanthem from Manipur, Patricia Zadeng from Mizoram, Bambi Kevichusa from Nagaland, Karma Sonam Bhutia from Sikkim and Jyotshna Debbarma from Tripura will showcase stunning ensembles with the fusion of contemporary design with traditional textiles, showcasing Muga silk gowns and Eri silk stoles.
Industry leaders, designers, and fashion experts will discuss sustainable fashion, the future of handloom, and the global potential of Northeast India’s textile industry.
A grand musical extravaganza is on the cards with performances by the famous Shillong Chamber Choir from Meghalaya, Pangpari from Mizoram, Sofiyum – a Lepcha folk music band from Sikkim, Eastern Elements Unplugged – Blues to Raga Jazz, Basav from Manipur, Featherheads Haokui – Tangkhul, Naga folk, Tai Khamti – peacock dance and performances by guitarist Imnainla Jamir from Nagaland and violinist Sunita Bhuyan from Assam.
Another highlight of the event will be AR-VR immersive virtual journey through NE India’s hidden gems like Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga National Park, Assam, Moirang, Manipur, Sohra, Meghalaya, Thenzawl, Mizoram, Namchi, Sikkim, Kisama village, Nagaland and Matabari, Tripura.
The event will foster long-term business relationships between Northeast India’s artisans and buyers through buyer-seller meet. 40 numbers of buyers and equal number of sellers from each sector will participate. Expected outcomes include ₹2 crore in on-spot sales and over 50 bulk orders.
There will be technical sessions and round table investment forum where investors will meet state representatives, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss investment opportunities in textiles, handloom and handicrafts, agriculture and allied sectors, tourism and hospitality, education and skill development.
Each of the eight states in NER will present their investment opportunities and highlight investment-ready projects in key sectors.
An NER postal stamp pavilion will showcase the rich postal history of the region.
Visitors will also get to know the history of discovery of oil in Digboi, Assam and how introduction of railways and its rapid expansion transformed the region as a whole.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the three-day festivity in the presence of Union Minister for DoNER, Jyotiraditya Scindia, other Central Ministers, Chief Minister of Assam, Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma and Chief Ministers from other North Eastern States.
