NEW DELHI: Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sukanta Majumdar surprised attendees by walking the ramp at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav fashion show in New Delhi on Saturday. Dressed in traditional northeastern-style jackets, the ministers showed the vibrant fashion heritage of Northeast India.
The fashion show was a key highlight of the three-day Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, a festival dedicated to celebrating the cultural richness of the northeastern states. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, the event is seen as an attempt to highlight the region’s textile artistry, handcrafted goods, and unique geographical indication (GI) products.
Scindia, who also heads the ministry for communications and development of the North Eastern Region, praised the event as a tribute to culture and creativity. Sharing photos of his ramp walk on X, he wrote, “Had an amazing time at the fashion show showcasing the vibrant styles of Northeast India! Each state was beautifully represented by talented artists and models.”
The festival featured a wide range of activities, including artisan showcases, state-specific pavilions, technical discussions, and investor meets. It seeks to enhance economic opportunities in areas such as traditional handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural goods, and tourism.
The northeastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim—are often referred to as the ‘Ashtalakshmi,’ symbolising eight forms of prosperity.