The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 bought the traditions, art, and flavours of the eight northeastern states to the national stage, celebrating their unparalleled cultural richness at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, says Abhi Singhal
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) took a remarkable step in celebrating and showcasing the diverse culture and vibrant traditions of Northeast India. In an effort to bring the essence of this unique region closer to the heart of the nation, the Government of India concluded the first edition of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, a festival that honoured the unparalleled cultural heritage of the eight northeastern states. Held in the national capital Delhi, the event resonated with the lively spirit, colours, and flavours of the region, leaving an indelible impression on visitors.
The festival’s name, “Ashtalakshmi,” has been derived from the eight northeastern states namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim , which were often referred to as the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ or the eight forms of prosperity. These states played an important role in enriching India’s cultural, social, and economic fabric, making them indispensable contributors to the nation’s diversity. True to its name, the festival served as a lively celebration of the region’s unparalleled beauty, artistic heritage, and deep-rooted traditions.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 was a three-day event held from December 6th to 8th at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event provided a grand platform to showcase the region’s thriving textile industry, elegant artisanal crafts, and distinct Geographical Indication (GI) products. It was a unique opportunity for the audience to engage with the intricate artistry and cultural richness of the northeastern states.
The festival’s inauguration was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose presence underscored the government’s commitment to promoting and uplifting the northeastern states. The opening day featured an impressive array of performances and exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the vibrant artistic traditions of the region. A key highlight of the day was a spellbinding performance by the renowned Shillong Chamber Choir, whose unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music set a magical tone for the festival. The choir’s soulful melodies were accompanied by traditional dance performances and folk music, providing an alluring and enriching cultural experience for the attendees.
One of the major attractions of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav was the food journey through the region’s diverse cuisines, each dish telling a story of its own. Visitors had the opportunity to savour an array of flavours that beautifully captured the essence of the Northeast. Assam’s simple yet delectable offerings included rice, fish curry, and traditional pitha. Arunachal Pradesh presented its flavourful rice-based dishes like Thukpa and Zan, often prepared with locally sourced ingredients like bamboo shoots. Manipur delighted the crowd with healthy delicacies such as Eromba and Singju, which highlighted the region’s love for fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
Nagaland’s bold flavours took centre stage with dishes like smoked pork and Akhuni, while Mizoram’s milder but equally delicious offerings included Bai and smoked pork. Tripura brought forth an exquisite blend of Bengali and indigenous influences with dishes like Wahan Mosdeng and Mui Borok. Meghalaya’s hearty preparations, such as Jadoh and Dohneiiong, resonated with the region’s rich culinary heritage, and Sikkim’s popular Phagshapa and Momos emphasised fresh ingredients and simple yet delightful flavors. Together, these dishes created a vibrant gastronomic experience, allowing visitors to relish the authentic taste of Northeast India.
The second day of the Mahotsav continued to captivate audiences with a mesmerising blend of music and artistry. Pangpari, a talented singer-songwriter from Aizawl, Mizoram, enchanted the audience with her emotive blend of pop, indie, and jazz. Her heartfelt performance seamlessly merged modern music with traditional influences, offering a soulful experience. Following Pangpari was Sofiyum, a Lepcha folk fusion band from Gangtok, Sikkim, that enthralled the crowd with its unique blend of traditional Lepcha folk songs and contemporary musical styles. Their performance beautifully illustrated the importance of preserving cultural heritage while adapting it to modern sensibilities.
The day also featured the Eastern Elements Unplugged session, an innovative musical experience that fused the Blues with Raga jazz, delivering a fresh perspective on regional music. The performances underscored the Northeast’s incredible ability to adapt its traditional art forms to contemporary frameworks, creating something entirely unique and memorable.
A major highlight of the festival was the Ashtalakshmi Fashion Show, which celebrated the rich textile heritage of Northeast India. Curated under the creative direction of renowned fashion stylist and show director Prasad Bidapa, the fashion show presented a stunning amalgamation of traditional handlooms and contemporary designs. The event emphasised sustainable fashion, highlighting eco-friendly and ethically produced garments as a part of the growing global discourse on sustainability.
Prominent designers from the region showcased their creations, each bringing their unique vision and dedication to preserving the Northeast’s sartorial traditions. Jenjum Gadi from Arunachal Pradesh mesmerised with nature-inspired, gender-neutral designs. Bambi Kevichusa from Nagaland showcased her exquisite bridal wear while promoting sustainable craftsmanship. Richana Khumanthem from Manipur collaborated with local weavers to present garments that told stories of the region’s weaving traditions.
Other notable designers included Patricia Zadeng from Mizoram, who focused on uplifting female artisans, and Daniel Syiem from Meghalaya, whose work highlighted the indigenous fabric Ryndia. Karma Sonam Bhutia from Sikkim revived the traditional art of nettle-weaving, while Priyanka D Patwari from Assam and Jyotsana Dev Verman from Tripura brought their distinct styles to the event. Together, these designers painted a vivid picture of the Northeast’s creative and cultural potential.
The final day of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav was a fitting conclusion to the three-day celebration, featuring a series of breathtaking performances. Basavdutta Chongtham (BASAV) from Manipur attracted the audience with her emotive vocals and poetic storytelling, while FeatherHeads Haokui, a Tangkhul Naga folk band, delivered lively renditions that celebrated the oral traditions of the Tangkhul tribe.
Adding a traditional touch was the graceful Peacock Dance (Kaa Kingnara Kingnari) from Arunachal Pradesh, which showcased the beauty and elegance of Tai Khamti culture. The festival’s final act, Imnainla Jamir, an exceptional electric guitarist from Nagaland, brought a modern twist to the celebration. Her performance blended Western music with Indian influences, embodying the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines the artistic spirit of Northeast India.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav not only celebrated the traditions and cultural heritage of Northeast India but also provided a significant platform for these states to gain broader national recognition. Through its rich array of performances, exhibitions, and culinary delights, the festival strengthened the cultural bonds between India’s diverse regions and highlighted the immense potential of the northeastern states. It was a tribute to the spirit and resilience of the people of the Northeast India, whose contributions continue to enrich the nation’s cultural and social fabric.
