Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday. The festival, running from December 6 to 8, celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage and economic potential of Northeast India.
Event Highlights
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav aims to spotlight the region’s textile industry, traditional craftsmanship, tourism opportunities, and unique Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products.
During the inauguration, PM Modi toured the event’s pavilions, engaging with artisans and craftsmen to emphasize the importance of Northeast India’s cultural richness. Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also attended the event.
Objectives and Features
This first-of-its-kind cultural festival provides a platform to boost economic activities in Northeast India. Key highlights include:
- Artisan Exhibitions: Dedicated showcases for traditional handicrafts and handlooms.
- Grameen Haats and State Pavilions: Displaying state-specific crafts, textiles, and agricultural products.
- Technical Sessions and Business Meets: Opportunities for investors and stakeholders to explore partnerships through roundtables and buyer-seller meets.
- Cultural Events: Musical performances and indigenous cuisines highlighting the region’s diversity.
- Design and Fashion Showcases: National-level exhibitions of the rich handloom traditions of the Northeast.
Promoting Growth and Cultural Exchange
The Mahotsav seeks to foster greater recognition of Northeast India’s role as a hub of cultural and economic innovation, bringing its rich traditions to the forefront of the national stage.
Prime Minister Modi, while inaugurating the event, emphasized the Northeast’s significance in India’s cultural and economic landscape. By promoting its unique offerings, the festival aims to strengthen local economies and create a deeper connection between the region and the rest of the country.
The three-day event is expected to foster investment, enhance cultural exchange, and position Northeast India as a pivotal player in India’s development narrative.