Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav: Three-day festival to highlight North-East’s cultural vibrancy

Amid the ongoing Manipur crisis, the Central Government has announced Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, a three-day festival celebrating the cultural, social and economic vibrancy of India’s North-Eastern states. Scheduled to take place from December 6 to 8 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The announcement coincides with frequent protests in the Capital by Manipur citizens and students over the state’s internal conflict.

Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, addressing the curtain raiser, highlighted the event’s alignment with PM Modi’s vision for the North-East. “The Prime Minister has always envisioned the North-East as the engine of India’s growth. The eight avatars of Lakshmi — prosperity, opulence, purity, wealth, knowledge, duty, agriculture and animal husbandry — symbolise the North-East’s essence,” Scindia said.

In a move to amplify international recognition of the North-East’s potential, the government has invited international diplomats residing in the Capital to the event.

The event will feature over 320 artisans and farmers from eight North-Eastern states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura — exhibiting indigenous products in a Rural Haat Bazaar. Additionally, each state will have its pavilion showcasing unique GI-tagged products, artisanal crafts and textiles, fostering business opportunities.

Renowned designers from the region, including Manipur’s Richana Khumanthem and Assam’s Priyanka Patwari, will participate in a special fashion show on December 7, blending traditional textiles like Muga silk and Eri silk with contemporary designs.

“This is not just about fashion; it’s about weaving the story of the North-East into global narratives of sustainability and innovation,” Scindia remarked.

Scindia outlined initiatives to connect the North-East’s resources with national and global markets. “The region offers immense possibilities in bamboo, rubber and other local products. We have created five task forces to optimise the value chain and enhance the economic potential of farmers and artisans,” he said.

A bankers’ summit is also planned to improve access to credit and financial services for entrepreneurs in the region. “This is about building a robust financial ecosystem that empowers startups and small businesses in the North-East,” Scindia added.

There are also plans to organise an investment summit for the states in April-May next year. The Union Ministry has also sent out invite to all state Chief Ministers for a panel discussion regarding the progress of the North-East region towards Viksit Bharat.

The festival will feature daily cultural performances, including Assam’s Bihu dance and Nagaland’s folk dances, showcasing the rich traditions of the region. A mascot named Purvi, representing the eight states with motifs symbolising their landscapes, will serve as the festival’s face.

The event will also see the release of a commemorative postal stamp, further cementing the festival’s significance. Roadshows held in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai have already built anticipation for the event.