Ashtalakhshmi Mahotsav is being celebrated at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi to honor the diversity and cultural richness of Northeast India. The three-day festival, which will conclude today, aims to showcase the beauty, diversity and promise of the eight states of the region which include Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim. Over 250 artisans are displaying unique handicrafts, handlooms and agri-horti products, including 34 GI-tagged items.

The Asthalakshmi Mahotsav is named after the eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, knowledge, dharma, agriculture, and other features. The event features 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 products. Another mega attraction has been the Rural Haat Bazaar, showcasing produce and art from 320 farmers and artisans of the region. Addressing a technical session yesterday, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that Centre is assisting each North-Eastern state to hone the specialties of and present it to the world.

Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma said that Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will play a key facilitator in bringing all the stakeholders together. The Asthalakshmi Mahotsav is not just an outlook into the cultural beauty of the region but also to explore economic opportunities.