Shillong, Jan 19: On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, India celebrates its unity in diversity through a thoughtfully designed ‘At-Home’ reception invitation kit this year celebrating the living traditions of Northeast India. The invitation box sent to guests draws inspiration from the indigenous art and craft traditions of the Northeastern region.
Curated by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, the invitation has been conceptualised to provide guests with an immersive experience of Bharat’s diverse craft traditions.
It brings together traditional art forms from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, developed through close collaboration between regional artisans and the design teams.
A key highlight of the invitation kit is the wall-hanging scroll crafted using an octagonal bamboo weave pattern that showcases the vibrant cultures and enduring traditions of the Ashtalakshmi states of Northeast India.
When unfolded, it presents a curated display of handcrafted creations representing each of the eight Northeastern states. The structure of the scroll, interlaced with tricolour threads, evokes the form of the traditional loin loom, a portable weaving device widely used by women across the region.
Wrapped in handloom fabric and accented with a vibrant hand woven belt, the box unfolds to reveal a traditional Tripura woven bamboo mat, handmade paper, and smooth bamboo artwork in deep earthy tones.
Meghalaya’s heritage finds a distinctive presence through a green bamboo coaster inspired by the traditional ‘knup’ rain shield, symbolising the state’s deep connection with bamboo craftsmanship and sustainable living.
The opening section highlights the integrated style of Assamese manuscript painting, followed by a fabric panel depicting the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The scroll also features Sikkim’s thara weaving using stinging nettle yarn, alongside a bamboo jaw harp (gogona), an iconic element of Assam’s Rongali Bihu celebrations.
Other elements include a Mithun motif crafted from Monk Shugu handmade paper representing Arunachal Pradesh; Tripura’s cane and bamboo jewellery made using simple tools and natural adhesives; a fabric panel from the Khiamniungan Naga tribe woven from wild orange rhea plant and Himalayan stinging nettle; and the puan chei, the ornate traditional shawl worn by Mizo women on special occasions. Manipur’s renowned Longpi black pottery, crafted from local clay and black stone, features prominently.
Guests attending the ‘At-Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26 will be welcomed with a specially designed eri silk stole, symbolising the textile heritage of the Northeast. Eri silk often known as “peace silk” or “Ahimsa silk” is an integral part of the region’s economy and cultural identity. The stole has been handwoven with motifs inspired by the streets, animals, birds and flowers of Northeast India, using natural dyes derived from local plants.
Together, the elements of the ‘At-Home’ invitation pay tribute to the exceptional skill, creativity, and living traditions of artisans and craftspeople from the Ashtalakshmi states, embodying the spirit of unity, heritage, and cultural pride that defines the Republic of India.
