The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, celebrating the vibrant culture of Northeast India, kicked off today at Bharat Mandapam. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the festival highlights the region’s unique traditions. Union Minister of DoNER (Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region), Jyotiraditya Scindia, also addressed the event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering Northeast India.
The inaugural day featured a spectacular performance by the Shillong Chamber Choir, blending traditional and contemporary music, alongside traditional dance and folk music. Over the next two days, the festival will showcase a variety of performances, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, providing an immersive experience of Northeast India’s arts and culture.
Highlights include traditional music and dance, a roundtable on promoting regional arts, live craft demonstrations, and the “Threads of the Northeast” fashion show on December 8. The “Expressions of the Northeast” art exhibition and “Flavors of the Northeast” culinary experience will offer attendees a deeper appreciation of the region’s diverse culture.
The festival also features a culinary journey through Northeast India, with dishes from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, and Meghalaya, each showcasing unique local flavors.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav aims to strengthen cultural bonds within India, providing a platform to celebrate and promote Northeast India’s artistic and culinary heritage.
