Government of India to host 1st Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in New Delhi

As part of the central government’s vision to make the North Eastern region the development engine of the country, the government of India has decided to hold an Asthalakshmi Mahotsav in New Delhi from 6-8 December 2024. This was announced by the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in New Delhi on 29 November 2024. 

The Mahotsav will focus on the eight North-Eastern States of India.

The eight state governments of North Eastern States will support and participate in the inaugural  Asthalakshmi  Mahotsav.

Who will inaugurate the Asthalakshmi Mahotsav?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Asthalakshmi Mahotsav on 6 December 2024. 

The Chief Minister of all the eight North Eastern States will also be present and a commemorative postal stamp will be released during the inauguration ceremony.

Mascot of the Asthalakshmi Mahotsav

The Union Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also released the mascot for the upcoming Asthalakshmi Mahotsav-  Purvi.

The mascot is a girl, and she is wearing attire that represents the elements of the eight states of the North East. 

About the Asthalakshmi Mahotsav

• According to Jyotiraditya Scindia, the name Asthalakshmi is named after the eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising prosperity, wealth, knowledge, dharma, agriculture, and other features.
• The Mahotsav aims to bridge the cultural and economic gap between Northeast India and the rest of the nation. 
• The Mahotsav will showcase the cultural richness and diversity of the region.
• The event will host cultural events, live demonstrations of artisanal crafts, technical sessions, buyer-seller meetings, and an investment roundtable. 
• It will also host a Rural Haat Bazaar, showcasing art and produce from 320 farmers and artisans from the North-East.

North Eastern Region 

The North East refers to the eight states of - Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura.

Earlier, the North-Eastern Region comprised seven states, which were called the Seven Sisters.

Sikkim was made a member of the North Eastern Council in 2002, and the word Seven Sister was dropped to mention the states of the North-Eastern States.

Capital of these states 

• Assam- Dispur
• Arunachal Pradesh- Itanagar
• Sikkim-Gangtok
• Manipur-Imphal
• Mizoram-Aizawl
• Meghalaya- Shillong
• Nagaland-Kohima
• Tripura-Itanagar