NEW DELHI: The North East of India is a treasure trove of traditional music, each state boasting its unique musical heritage. From the soulful folk songs of Assam to the vibrant tribal music of Nagaland, the region’s musical diversity is truly remarkable.
During the curtain raiser of the 1st edition of “Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav”, Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) put light on the rich culture of the North East region.
He said, “We are organizing a Musical night on the 6th of December and we are providing a stage to the local musicians of all 8 northeast states and Music is the heart of the North Eastern states.” “We will try to identify each state of the North East from their product or one theme” he added.
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The Mahotsav provides an unprecedented platform to showcase the region’s vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, and unique Geographical Indication (GI) products.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural, textile, and craft heritage of North East India. This event, held from December 6 to 8, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, highlights the contributions of the eight North Eastern states, often referred to as the “Ashtalakshmi” or eight forms of prosperity.
The event will focus on 250 Artisans/entrepreneurs from the North East region who will feature a variety of products. Technical sessions on women leadership, IT, Healthcare and Education, Power, Sports, art and culture will be there along with Fashion shows depicting the rich textile heritage of the NER.
The Mahotsav features a variety of activities, which include Daily shows featuring traditional dances like the Bihu dances of Assam and the war dances of Nagaland, a special fashion show that blends contemporary design with traditional textiles, showcasing creations made from Muga silk and Eri silk, Discussions on sustainable fashion and the future of handloom with industry leaders and fashion experts. Despite this the event is an opportunity for artisans to connect with buyers, fostering long-term business relationships.
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The event aims to promote the unique Geographical Indication (GI) products of the region and provide a platform for the artisans and craftsmen of North East India to showcase their talents and products.
While addressing the inaugural ceremony of the first Bodoland Mahotsav in Delhi, PM Modi said that he considers the entire Northeast including Assam as the “Ashtalakshmi” of India.
He said some parts of the forests in Assam were once hideouts. But now they are becoming a means to fulfil the big ambitions of the youth. The Prime Minister said the government is constantly making efforts for permanent peace in the Northeast. The PM said that he considers the entire Northeast including Assam as the Ashtalakshmi of India. Now the sun of development will rise from eastern India which will give new energy to the resolution of developed India.
The eight states of the Northeast, often referred to as the ‘Ashtalaxmi’ or eight forms of prosperity, contribute significantly to India’s cultural, social, and economic fabric.