Northeast India’s Cultural Diversity Takes Center Stage at Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav’s Second Day

TAASIR :– S M HASSAN -8 DEC

New Delhi, Dec 07, 2024:The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, continued to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northeast India on its second day. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the festival serves as an important platform to showcase the region’s unique traditions and artistic contributions. The second day of the event featured a series of performances and cultural presentations that offered attendees a deeper insight into the vibrant culture of Northeast India.

The day’s musical offerings included a performance by Pangpari, a talented singer-songwriter from Aizawl, Mizoram. Known for her emotive blend of pop, indie, and jazz, Pangpari’s set resonated with the audience, merging modern music with traditional influences from Mizoram. Sofiyum, a Lepcha folk fusion band from Gangtok, followed with an engaging performance that blended traditional Lepcha folk songs with contemporary styles, reinforcing the importance of preserving cultural heritage while introducing it to a modern audience. The Eastern Elements Unplugged session also provided an innovative musical experience, fusing Blues with Raga jazz to offer a fresh perspective on regional music

Another major highlight of the day was the Ashtalakshmi Fashion Show, which showcased the textile heritage of Northeast India. The show was graced by the Honourable Union Minister, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, adding a distinguished presence to the event. Under the creative direction of renowned fashion stylist and Show Director Prasad Bidapa, the fashion show highlighted the region’s traditional handlooms and handicrafts, skillfully blending them with contemporary designs. The event emphasized sustainable fashion, with a focus on eco-friendly and ethically produced garments, contributing to a growing discourse on sustainability in the fashion industry.

Key Key designers participating in the show include luminaries like Jenjum Gadi from Arunachal Pradesh, known for his nature-inspired, gender-neutral designs; Bambi Kevichusa from Nagaland, celebrated for her bridal wear and commitment to sustainable craftsmanship; and Richana Khumanthem from Manipur, whose brand Khumanthem collaborates with local weavers to bring the region’s sartorial stories to a global audience. Other notable names include Patricia Zadeng from Mizoram, whose work reflects a dedication to uplifting female artisans; Daniel Syiem from Meghalaya, co-founder of Daniel Syiem’s Ethnic Fashion House, promoting the indigenous fabric “Ryndia”; and Karma Sonam Bhutia from Sikkim, a textile designer reviving nettle-weaving traditions. Priyanka D Patwari from Assam and Jyotsana Dev Verman from Tripura also bring their unique styles and dedication to preserving Northeastern craftsmanship. Together, these designers and artisans present an inspiring vision of the region’s cultural and creative potential.

As the event progresses, the final day of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, on December 8th, will feature additional performances and cultural showcases, bringing the festival to a fitting conclusion.

Entry is free, and tickets can be booked at www.ashtalakshmimahotsav.com.

For more information, please contact:
Brands2Life
Ms. Deepika Kaushik / Mr. Vinayak Patwardhan
+91-9560694502 / +91-7982364516