Shillong Chamber Choir performs a captivating performance to commence Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav started yesterday at the Bharat Mandapam, as an initiation to celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of the Northeast. Organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the festival. He emphasised the importance of representing the unique traditions of the Northeast to the rest of India. Union Minister of DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards the empowerment of the Northeastern states.
The inaugural day showcased exciting performances and impressive exhibitions that beautifully represented the region’s artistic talent. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Shillong Chamber Choir, renowned for its unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music. Their captivating performance set the tone for the festival – inspiring and mesmerising. The festival also featured traditional dance performances along with folk music, offering an insight into the rich and vibrant culture of Northeast India.
The next two days are packed with various festivities. Attendees can look forward to an exciting event including an array of performances, exhibitions and interactive sessions. It is a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of handloom textiles and traditional handicrafts, a prime example of the craftsmanship of Northeast India. The festival is an important platform for cultural exchange, fostering a much-deserved appreciation for the region’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The festival will feature traditional music and dance performances on December 7th, along with a roundtable discussion on possible steps to promote the Northeast’s arts and crafts, and live demonstrations of handloom weaving and bamboo craft. On 8th December, the celebration will continue with the “Threads of the Northeast” fashion show, featuring both traditional and contemporary designs created with the region’s textiles. Later, the “Expressions of the Northeast” art exhibition will take place showcasing the works of local artists, and the “Flavors of the Northeast” will offer a diverse taste of delicacies from the region’s cuisines.
Visitors can explore the delicious array of foods of Northeast India at the Asthalaxmi Mahotsav, each reflecting its unique cultural significance. While Assam offers a simple yet delicious fare with rice, fish curry, and traditional Pitha, Arunachal Pradesh features rice-based dishes like Thukpa and Zan, often incorporating local ingredients like bamboo shoots. Manipur delights with healthy options with fresh herbs and fruits such as Eromba and Singju.
Mizoram’s cuisine includes Bai and smoked pork, while Nagaland is known for its bold flavours, like smoked pork and Akhuni. Tripura offers a harmony of indigenous and Bengali influences with dishes like Mui Borok and Wahan Mosdeng. Sikkim offers specialities like Momos and Phagshapa, emphasizing fresh ingredients, while Meghalaya features hearty dishes such as Jadoh and Dohneiiong. With these amazing cuisines, the Mahotsav provides a vibrant culinary experience, celebrating the rich gastronomic traditions.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav aims to strengthen the cultural bonds between India’s diverse regions, providing a platform to celebrate the artistic contributions of Northeast India and encourage broader national recognition of its rich traditions.
Entry is free, and tickets can be booked at – www.ashtalakshmimahotsav.com
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