President Murmu to inaugurate Northeast Cultural Extravaganza tomorrow

Guwahati: President of India Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the four-day cultural extravaganza “Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav: A cultural odyssey unveiling the richness of Northeast India” on Thursday (February 8) at 11.15 am at Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

Union Minister of DoNER, Culture and Tourism will also be present on this occasion.

This event is being held as a part of Udyan Utsav, 2024 at Amrit Udyan inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises.

The Ministry of Development of North East Region is organizing this event in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, and this event is being managed through DoNER’s CPSE, Northeastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC).

The Mahotsav timings are from 10 am to 8 pm. The entry to the event is free.

The first chapter of Vividhta ka Amrit Mahotsav has been meticulously curated to showcase the rich diversity of Northeast India, blending traditional arts, crafts, and cultures under one vibrant umbrella.

Envisioned as a cultural mosaic, this Mahotsav is more than a celebration. The festival aims to foster exchanges in traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and agro products, becoming a catalyst for the region's growth and development.

Key Highlights include:

Handicrafts, Handlooms and Agri-Horti produce: The Mahotsav will witness the participation of 320 weavers, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs through eight dedicated stalls for each state from the Northeast Region.

It will serve as a platform to showcase the unique aspects that make the Northeast Region a cultural jewel.

The Mahotsav aims to present the best of Northeast India under one roof with exquisite, handcrafted products, handloom & textiles, and sustainable handicrafts. Northeast India offers a range of sustainable organic products, including high-quality organic tea, bamboo products, spices, herbal medicines, handwoven textiles, organic pineapples, honey, and traditional rice varieties. A majority of the region's craft uses raw materials such as cane, bamboo, wood, terracotta, kauna, hyacinth, bell metal, and brass.

This event will be an opportunity to reflect on the region's commitment to eco-friendly practices, biodiversity preservation, and traditional farming methods.

Live Demonstration: There will be 20 stations with live demonstrations for the public to witness first-hand the skill, craft and expertise that goes into the curation of jewels from the North-East Region such as Majuli Mask making, Basket weaving, Lotus Silk Extraction, Nettle Fibre weaving, Loinloom weaving, Dry Flower making, Tribal Jewellery making, Thangka Painting, Brass Metal Carving, Wood Carving — Assam.

Cultural Showcase: The Mahostav also promises an enchanting journey through traditional dances, mesmerizing performances, and a showcase of the region’s rich cultural heritage.350 artists from all eight states will be elevating the Mahotsav with their remarkable performances.

The Mahotsav will showcase traditional dances such as the Wangala Dance of Meghalaya, the Mungwanta Dance of Nagaland, the Bamboo Dance of Mizoram, and the Bihu Dance of Assam. This will be an opportunity to witness the diverse talent and artistic supremacy that the North-Eastern Region has to offer.

Additionally, an exquisite first-of-kind fashion show focused on the multiple GI Products from the Northeast will promote the unchallenged stylistic genius that stems from the profoundly diverse Northeast Region.

Food Stalls: The Mahotsav will also celebrate the vibrant tapestry of diverse flavours and unique traditions of Northeast India's culinary landscape.

The food stalls will be a delightful representation of this rich gastronomic heritage.

From Assam’s delectable Assam Laksa to Manipur’s Eromba, the food stalls offer a fascinating journey through the region’s distinct tastes and indigenous herbs and spices.

The diversity of Northeast India's food stalls will not only tantalize taste buds but will also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s rich cultural tapestry through its culinary delights.

Other Activities: There will be a plethora of engaging activities such as Kids Activity Zone and Youth Engagement Zone, that will not only provide an avenue for the young minds of the country to engage in novel activities like never before but will simultaneously provide an opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural richness of Northeast.