Celebrating the cultural wealth and economic growth of North-East India
The culture of North-East India is a vibrant tapestry woven into centuries of tradition, diverse languages, rich folklore and fascinating scenery. The region, which has kept within itself an extraordinary blend of ancient customs and modern progress, where every community, every state, has its own identity. From the lush green tea gardens of Assam to the rolling hills of Mizoram, from the ancient rivers of Manipur to the vibrant festivals of Nagaland, the Northeast is a land full of life, art and heritage.
The first Ashtalakshmi Festival will be celebrated from December 6 to 8 at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, Delhi. Hon’ble Prime Minister will inaugurate the grand festival on December 6, which aims to showcase the beauty, diversity and promise of the eight states of North East India – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim. These figures, known as ‘Ashtalakshmi.
These states will bring to the fore their rich culture and traditions and contribute to the broader culture of India’s cultural heritage. The festival will be a celebration of this diversity, which will be an opportunity for the world to experience the art, craft, music and economic growth of the region. This will be a moment for the North-East not only as a cultural hub but also as an area ready for further economic development and integration in India’s future.
Purpose and significance[ edit ]
The objective of the first Ashtalakshmi Festival is to provide a dynamic platform to showcase the vibrant textile sector, tourism opportunities, traditional craftsmanship and products tagged with unique geographical indication (GI) of North East India. It will serve as a celebration of the cultural wealth of the region with a focus on its strategic importance in India’s future development. The festival has been designed as an annual event that will continue to honour the diversity and cultural prosperity of NOR.
Purpose and significance
The objective of the first Ashtalakshmi Festival is to provide a dynamic platform to showcase the vibrant textile sector, tourism opportunities, traditional craftsmanship and products tagged with unique geographical indication (GI) of North East India. It will serve as a celebration of the cultural wealth of the region with a focus on its strategic importance in India’s future development. The festival has been designed as an annual event that will continue to respect the diversity and cultural richness of North East India and lead the region towards further economic upliftment.
The festival will also highlight the importance of infrastructure development in North East India and its transformative impact. The region’s improved connectivity, industrial growth and ongoing developments in areas such as transport, energy and digital infrastructure are poised to enhance its strategic role in India’s growth story and open up new opportunities for trade and business.
Event Highlights
The Ashtalakshmi Festival will witness various programmes showcasing the cultural and economic prosperity of North-East India. More than 250 artisans will display unique handicrafts, handlooms and agricultural products, including 34 GI tag items.
The technical session will focus on key development areas such as women’s leadership, IT, energy, healthcare etc. While an investor roundtable is looking for opportunities in sectors such as handicrafts, agriculture and tourism, the buyer-seller meet will promote business collaboration. The design conclave and fashion show will combine traditional and modern fashion. A traditional market environment will be created at The Ashtalakshmi Gramin Haat and live cultural performances including Ashtalakshmi Symphony, Shillong Chamber singers and traditional dances will attract the attendees. It featured performances by Pangpari Band, Sofiyum, Prasad Bidapa’s fashion show and emotional basava, featherheads haokui and tai khamati dance on the last day. see more
Investment opportunities in North East India
The Ashtalakshmi Festival offers a glimpse of the transformative journey of North-East India by beautifully portraying both progress and the essence of tradition. Since the area has been contaminated.
Infrastructure Development: The expansion of roads, bridges, and rail networks provides opportunities for investments in the construction and development sectors.
Handloom and Handicrafts: Investment in the handloom and handicraft sectors can promote traditional arts, generate employment, and boost exports.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries: With fertile plains and a strong organic farming tradition, there are opportunities for investment in food processing industries, cold storage, and agro-based ventures.
Tourism and Hospitality: The natural beauty and cultural diversity of Northeast India present significant opportunities in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and the development of hospitality infrastructure.
IT and ITES: The region’s growing IT industry, combined with its high literacy rate and English-speaking population, makes it an attractive destination for IT companies and startups.
Legacy of Oil Discovery and Railways: The d iscovery of oil in Assam in the late 19th century led to the establishment of India’s first oil refinery in Digboi and the construction of the region’s first railways.
This development spurred industrial growth, improved connectivity, and positioned Northeast India as a key economic player. Today, the region continues to build on this legacy with significant advancements in infrastructure and industry.
Strategic Importance of Northeast India: Northeast India’s strategic location, rich natural resources, and improving infrastructure are positioning the region as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia. With major infrastructure initiatives underway, the region is poised to become a key player in India’s economic growth, acting as a hub for trade, tourism, and industry. The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is an essential event in showcasing the region’s progress, celebrating its cultural wealth, and inviting new investments for future development.
The Mahotsav serves 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.
Conclusion
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will thus serve as a key event in both cultural and economic spheres, offering a glimpse into Northeast India’s promising future as a regional powerhouse. With its focus on tradition, culture, and economic potential, the festival promises to make a lasting impact on India’s overall development. read more
