Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday. The three-day festival highlights the vast cultural tapestry of Northeast India, bringing together an array of traditional arts, crafts, and cultural practices. The Mahotsav will serve as an exceptional platform to highlight the region’s vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, tourism opportunities and unique products of all the eight North Eastern states. The biggest attraction will be the Rural Haat Bazaar, showcasing produce and art from 320 farmers and artisans of the region. The event will feature pavilions dedicated to Northeast India’s celebrated Muga and Eri Silk, live demonstrations of artisanal crafts, and a special focus on the region’s Geographical Indication products.
Over 250 artisans will display unique handicrafts, handlooms, and agri-hortri products, including 34 GI-tagged items. The Mahotsav will serve as an important moment to showcase this vibrant progress, celebrating the cultural richness of Northeast India while inviting new investments to support its continued growth and development. The festival will have artisan exhibitions, Grameen haats, state specific pavilions and technical sessions on key areas crucial to the development of the northeastern region.