The 77th Republic Day celebrations in India showcased the nation's rich cultural tapestry not only through the grand parade but also through a meticulously curated invitation bag for President Droupadi Murmu's 'At Home Reception'. This exclusive evening gathering, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, featured an invitation bag that beautifully celebrated the cultural heritage of India's northeastern region.
Celebrating the Ashtalakshmi States of Northeast India
According to details published on the official Rashtrapati Bhavan website, the invitation bag represents the Ashtalakshmi states of northeast India, celebrating their cultural diversity and flourishing traditions. The collection reflects the distinctive traditions shaping daily life in each northeastern state, unique handicraft techniques, and the natural ecosystems sustaining their communities. Curated by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, under the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, this initiative highlights the region's artistic excellence.
Exquisite Craftsmanship in Every Detail
The invitation box itself celebrates bamboo craftsmanship, featuring a woven bamboo mat created on a loom with dyed cotton threads on the wrap and fine bamboo splits on the waft—a technique commonly used in Tripura. The decorative motifs on the cover and box draw inspiration from Assamese manuscript painting styles, while the nametag incorporates handmade paper and bamboo artwork.
Treasures from the Northeast
Eri Silk Stole: This stole features Eri Silk, often called Peace Silk or Ahimsa Silk, representing a vital textile tradition of northeast India. The motifs include Tripura's nagkesar flower, Indian butter catfish, Nagaland's rhododendron flower, mithun, Mizoram's red vanda orchid, Himalayan serow, and Manipur's Shirui lily and sangai deer.
Handwoven Puan Chei from Mizoram: This traditional shawl or wrap-around skirt represents ornate garments worn by Mizo women on important occasions, with 'Chei' meaning decoration and 'Puan' referring to clothing.
Cane & Bamboo Jewellery from Tripura: Tribal craftspersons in Tripura create exquisite jewellery and decorative items using bamboo and cane, demonstrating remarkable imagination, dexterity, and skill through innovative designs.
Gogona-Bamboo Jaw Harp from Assam: This iconic bamboo jaw harp plays a significant role in celebrations like Rongalo Bihu, representing Assam's musical heritage.
Mon Shugu Paper from Arunachal Pradesh: The Monpa people forage for the inner bark of the Shugu Shenge shrub, which they process into handmade paper known for its high tensile strength and resistance to tearing.
Woven Nettle Fabric and Embroidery from Sikkim: Sikkim's distinctive Lepcha weaving, traditionally using yarns from stinging nettle plants, now incorporates cotton and cool nettle yarn to create colorful fabrics on loin-looms.
Wall Hanging Scroll: Constructed using an octagonal bamboo weave pattern, this scroll unfolds to reveal handcrafted creations from each northeastern state. The structure uses tri-colored threads and evokes the shape of the portable loin-loom, particularly used by women in the region.
This carefully assembled collection not only serves as an invitation but also as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the artistic richness and traditional craftsmanship of India's northeastern states to national and international dignitaries.
