Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: The first-ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will provide an unprecedented platform to showcase the northeastern region’s vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, and unique Geographical Indication (GI) products. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Mahotsav on December 6 in New Delhi.
According to official sources, the Mahotsav will emphasize the significance of infrastructure development in the Northeast and its transformative impact. The region’s improved connectivity, industrial growth, and ongoing development in sectors like transport, energy, and digital infrastructure are poised to enhance its strategic role in India’s growth stories and open new opportunities for trade and business.
Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), and Invest India for the first time, the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will showcase 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 programs have been lined up during the three-day festival to showcase the region’s huge potential in different sectors and its vibrant culture.
Industry leaders, designers, and fashion experts will discuss sustainable fashion, the future of handloom, and the global potential of Northeast India’s textile industry.
The event is expected to foster long-term business relationships between Northeast India’s artisans and buyers through buyer-seller meetings. 40 buyers and an equal number of sellers from each sector will participate. Expected outcomes include Rs 2 crore in on-spot sales and over 50 bulk orders. Each of the eight states in the 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.
A grand musical extravaganza is also 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.
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