Northeast India Heritage Festival

A key highlight of the festival was the presence of authentic handcrafted products from some of the most remote regions of Northeast India. These included handwoven bags from the Sherdukpen community of Arunachal Pradesh, traditional attire from the Tripuri community, designer handbags made from water hyacinth from Manipur, and indigenous fabrics crafted from banana fiber, bamboo, Muga silk, and Eri or Eriandi non-violent silk.

Rare weaves and indigenous motifs reflected sustainable, community-based craftsmanship. Attendees were able to purchase directly from community representatives, supporting artisan livelihoods while increasing visibility for these traditions.

The festival’s central hall was transformed into a vibrant marketplace showcasing Northeast India’s textile heritage. Community members modeled and presented traditional attire, jewelry, and regional textiles, turning the space into a living exhibition. This interactive setting allowed participants to reconnect with their roots while introducing wider audiences to the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the region’s handloom traditions.

The festival featured panel discussions, lectures, and presentations focused on tourism, commerce, sustainability, and cultural preservation. A monograph promoting ecological awareness and heritage conservation in Northeast India was published and distributed during the event, with contributions from Dr. Palme Borthakur, Dr. Utpola Borah, Kishore Seram, and Dr. Hans Utter.

A curated music playlist and documentation of traditional musical instruments were also presented as part of the ongoing research initiative.