PM Modi Inaugurates First-Ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav Celebrating Northeast India’s Vibrant Culture

New Delhi , December 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the inaugural Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday. The three-day cultural festival, scheduled from December 6 to 8, celebrates the rich cultural diversity and economic potential of Northeast India.

Announcing the event on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi highlighted its significance. “At 3 PM this afternoon, will inaugurate the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. This programme celebrates the vibrant culture of the different states of the Northeast. The focus will also be on promoting investment and economic activities relating to the region, especially in areas like tourism, textiles, handicrafts and more,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister’s Office detailed that this festival, being celebrated for the first time, offers a unique platform to showcase the Northeast’s vast cultural heritage, including traditional arts, crafts, and cultural practices.

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav aims to spotlight Northeast India’s vibrant textile sector, tourism potential, traditional craftsmanship, and distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products. It also underscores the region’s strategic importance in India’s development trajectory.

The event has been conceptualized as an annual celebration to honor the region’s cultural richness and promote economic opportunities in key areas like traditional handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural products, and tourism. The festival will feature artisan exhibitions, Grameen haats, state-specific pavilions, and technical sessions to address critical development areas in the Northeast.

Key highlights include investor roundtables and buyer-seller meets to foster partnerships and boost economic growth. A Design Conclave and fashion shows will also showcase the Northeast’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions on the national stage.

In addition, the festival will host vibrant musical performances and showcase indigenous cuisines, further highlighting the region’s cultural heritage.

The Mahotsav emphasizes infrastructure development’s transformative role in the Northeast. Improved connectivity and ongoing advancements in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure are expected to elevate the region’s strategic significance in India’s growth story.

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is set to be a vibrant annual celebration, aiming to propel the Northeast toward greater economic and cultural prominence.