Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the three-day Asthalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 on 6th of next month at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The festival will showcase the cultural, natural and artisanal wealth of all the eight North-East states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, and Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi yesterday, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia said, the event will bridge the cultural and economic gap between Northeast India and the rest of the nation. Akashvani’s correspondent reports that the Mahotsav will host cultural events, live demonstrations of artisanal crafts, technical sessions, buyer-seller meetings and investment roundtable.
The Asthalakshmi Mahotsav is named after the eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, knowledge, dharma, agriculture, and other features. The festival’s mascot is Purvi, a young girl representing the North-East, with elements from each state featured in her attire.
The biggest attraction will certainly be the Rural Haat Bazaar, showcasing produce and art from 320 farmers and artisans of the region. Each state will have a dedicated pavilion along with a GI Pavilion, North-East tourism gallery, and Muga and Eri Silk Gallaries.
A special commemorative postal stamp will be launched during the inauguration. Chief Ministers of each North-East states will also be present during the event for a Chief Ministers’ Panel Discussion.
Mr Scindia highlighted that the Festival is part of the government’s vision to make North-East the development engine of the nation. The Minister said that the Mahotsav will not only showcase the cultural richness of the region but also serve as a catalyst for its economic development, creating new opportunities for artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs. The Asthalakshmi Mahotsav will certainly be a window for the world to look into the life, culture and heritage of North-East.
