Tripura bamboo artwork features on the Republic Day 2026 ‘At Home’ invitation card, celebrating Ashtalakshmi traditions, Northeast India’s heritage, sustainable craftsmanship, and indigenous artistry curated by the National Institute of Design for Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The hand-crafted invitation card for the President of India’s prestigious ‘At Home’ reception on Republic Day 2026 has emerged as a powerful symbol of India’s cultural diversity, with a distinctive artistic technique from Tripura taking centre stage. This year’s invitation goes beyond a ceremonial announcement, transforming into a collectible work of art that celebrates the living heritage of the north-eastern states.
President Droupadi Murmu will host the ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26, 2026, marking the 77th Republic Day of India. For this occasion, the invitation card has been carefully designed as a wall-hanging scroll, crafted in an octagonal bamboo weave pattern that reflects traditional Tripura artistry. The design highlights the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ concept, symbolising the eight north-eastern states and their cultural prosperity.
The scroll is elegantly placed inside a specially designed invitation box that itself is a testament to refined craftsmanship. The box uses a woven bamboo mat produced on a traditional loom, where dyed cotton threads form the warp and fine bamboo splits are used as the weft. This intricate weaving technique, strongly associated with Tripura, underscores the state’s mastery in bamboo-based handicrafts that are both functional and artistic.
Adding to the aesthetic appeal, the handmade paper tag bearing the invitee’s address on the outer cover is complemented by a bamboo artwork made from a specially smoked bamboo split. This smoking process gives the bamboo a rich brown tone, enhancing its visual depth and lending the invitation a warm, earthy character that resonates with nature-centric traditions of the region.
The decorative motifs on the invitation cover and box draw inspiration from the Assamese manuscript painting tradition, known for its elegance and storytelling through visual elements. Meanwhile, the fabric panel beneath the invitation features motifs representing the flora and fauna of Northeast India, creating a layered narrative that connects art, ecology, and cultural identity.
According to the text printed on the card, the invitation has been conceived as a confluence of elements reflecting the distinctive traditions that shape daily life in each northeastern state. It recognises the people’s mastery of unique handicraft techniques and honours the natural ecosystems that sustain their homes and livelihoods.
The invitation also carries a message of continuity, stating that it has been designed to adorn recipients’ walls long after the Republic Day celebrations conclude. In doing so, it positions itself not merely as an event invite but as a lasting depiction of the living heritage and artistic traditions of Northeast India.
Curated by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, the invitation reflects a thoughtful collaboration between designers and artisans. As Rashtrapati Bhavan prepares to welcome distinguished guests from across the country, the card extends a symbolic invitation to experience the cultural and artistic heritage of Bharat in its most authentic form.
The text further emphasises that the northeastern region is being specially showcased on the occasion of the ‘At Home’ reception. The Ashtalakshmi states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—are described as a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and flourishing traditions.
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What sets this invitation apart is the collective effort behind its creation. Exceptionally skilled artisans from all eight northeastern states have contributed to the masterpiece, ensuring that each element reflects regional authenticity. Their craftsmanship not only preserves traditional knowledge but also brings it into a national spotlight during one of India’s most significant constitutional celebrations.
By choosing Tripura’s bamboo artistry as a defining feature, the Republic Day 2026 ‘At Home’ invitation underscores the importance of indigenous crafts in India’s cultural narrative. It sends a strong message that tradition, sustainability, and innovation can coexist, making heritage relevant in contemporary national events.
