Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav,' a three-day festival celebrating the cultural, social, and economic vibrance of the eight northeastern states, on December 6 at Bharat Mandapam, Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Friday.
The festival will provide an unprecedented platform to highlight the region's vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, and unique Geographical Indication (GI) products, Scindia said.
The eight northeastern states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim — are often referred to as the 'Ashtalakshmi,' symbolising eight forms of prosperity, contributing to India's cultural, social, and economic fabric, he said.
The event aims to foster long-term business relationships between the region's artisans and buyers, with expectations of significant on-the-spot sales and bulk orders. Additionally, investors will engage with government representatives and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in textiles, handicrafts, agriculture, and tourism.
Speaking at the curtain-raiser event for the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, Scindia emphasised the Northeast's critical role in India's development, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision.
“It is the Prime Minister's vision that the Northeast should serve as the engine of India's growth. The eight avatars of Lakshmi — Prosperity, Opulence, Purity, Wealth, Knowledge, Duty, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry — symbolise the essence of the Northeast,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the steps being taken to empower the region's artisans and farmers. He noted that the DoNER ministry has established five task forces to analyse and improve the value chain of local products, ensuring maximum economic benefit for the region. “The possibilities in the Northeast are immense—whether in bamboo, rubber, or other local products. We are working to connect these opportunities with the rest of India and the world,” he added.
The festival will feature a grand inauguration that includes the launch of a commemorative postal stamp. Over the course of three days, there will be a special session where CMs of the eight states will chair a roundtable discussion on the region.
Cultural programmes, buyer-seller meet, technical sessions and investment roundtables along with the unique Ashtalakshmi Gramin Haat will also be organised, the minister said.
A special fashion show will highlight the fusion of contemporary design with traditional textiles, featuring Muga silk gowns and Eri silk stoles.
No Pakistani national in Tripura, says CM Manik Saha
The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to the Central government's recent directive to all states and Union Territories to identify and deport Pakistani citizens following the April 22 terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
India shuts airspace for all Pakistan-operated flights till May 23
In a significant development, India on Wednesday announced to shut its airspace for Pakistan-owned and operated flights till May 23 (estimated), days after Islamabad decided to shut its airspace to all flights owned and operated by the Indian carriers.
Tripura’s unemployment rate dropped after BJP came to power: CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the unemployment rate in the state has significantly decreased during the past seven years after the BJP came to power in 2018.
Travesty of justice: Bangladesh SC stays High Court order granting bail to Chinmoy Das
The Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court on Wednesday evening stayed the High Court order given earlier in the day granting bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, or Chandan Kumar Dhar, the former ISKCON monk and spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote in a sedition case.
Right step: Kharge welcomes govt’s move on caste census, demands budget allocation
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday welcomed the Central government’s decision to conduct a caste-based census, calling it a long-pending demand of the Opposition and a crucial step towards ensuring social justice.
Goyal holds talks in Oslo to strengthen India-Norway trade & investment ties
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held separate meetings here, on Wednesday, with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and the Scandinavian country’s Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth to discuss the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
21 MLAs urged PM, HM to reinstate govt in Manipur bypassing Guv: Congress
The Opposition Congress on Wednesday slammed 21 MLAs of Manipur for bypassing the state Governor and writing letters to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, urging them to reinstate a popular government in the state.
Caste count goes official: BJP seizes agenda; INDIA bloc faces strategic recalibration
In a landmark decision with far-reaching social and political implications, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census.