New Delhi: In a significant step towards celebrating the rich cultural and economic heritage of Northeast India, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on September 13, 2024, launched the official website for the much-anticipated Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav. The launch event took place at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting the Northeast's vast potential on a national and global stage.

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, to be held from 6th to 8th December 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is set to be a landmark celebration. The festival draws inspiration from the eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—collectively known as the "Ashtalakshmi," representing eight forms of prosperity. The website, www.ashtalakshmimahotsav.com, will serve as a one-stop resource for event updates, schedules, and participation details, ensuring seamless engagement for attendees from across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Scindia emphasised the importance of the event in bridging the cultural and economic gap between Northeast India and the rest of the nation. "The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will not only showcase the cultural richness of the Northeast but also serve as a catalyst for economic development, creating new opportunities for artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs from the region," he said.

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav promises to be a vibrant blend of fashion, culture, and business. The event will feature pavilions dedicated to Northeast India's celebrated Muga and Eri Silk, live demonstrations of artisanal crafts, and a special focus on the region's Geographical Indication (GI) products. The event will also host a fashion show, design conclave, buyer-seller meet, and an investment round table, offering a platform for meaningful collaborations and long-term economic impact.

Union Minister of Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia shared his thoughts on the website on the X platform, stating, “Delighted to launch the official website for the upcoming Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav. The Mahotsav is aimed at showcasing North East’s vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, and unique products to the world.” /BI