Republic Day ‘At Home’ Invitation Celebrates the Living Art of Northeast India

Highlighting the living tradition of India’s Northeast, the 'At Home' invitation of 77th Republic Day from President Droupadi Murmu will be entirely dedicated and splashed with unique pieces of art and craft from the 'Ashtalakshmi', the eight states of the region.

The handcrafted invitation box for the ‘At Home’ reception is made using a woven bamboo mat, prepared on a loom with dyed cotton threads as the warp and fine bamboo splits for the weft, a traditional weaving technique in Tripura, which got attention after President Murmu shared a short film showcasing the invitation kit on her social media handle.

The box has Manipur’s Longpi black pottery, Mon Shugu paper from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya’s green bamboo weave, woven nettle fabric, and embroidery from Sikkim, orange wild rhea and stinging nettle products from Nagaland, and Mizoram’s handwoven Puan Chei.

She noted that the specially designed Republic Day invitation celebrates the vibrant living traditions of India’s north-eastern region and honours the skilled artisans of 'Ashtalakshmi'.

Guests attending the reception will be greeted traditionally, with a specially designed Eri silk stole draped over their shoulders. Known as ‘peace silk’ or ‘Ahimsa silk,’ Eri silk is an integral part of the textile tradition and economy of northeast India. The card serves as a testament to the artisans who preserve the rich cultural and artistic heritage.

The stole itself incorporates symbols of regional flora and fauna, including Tripura’s Nagkesar flower and Indian butter catfish, Nagaland’s state animal Mithun and Rhododendron flower, Manipur’s Shirui Lily and Sangai deer, as well as Mizoram’s Red Vanda Orchid and Himalayan Serow.

The handmade paper tag displaying each guest's address on the outer cover is paired with a bamboo ornament crafted in Meghalaya. The ornament uses smoked bamboo splits for a rich brown tone. Decorative motifs adorning the invitation’s cover and box are inspired by the Assamese manuscript painting style.

The accompanying invitation card highlights the traditional crafts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, created through a collaborative effort between artisans and the project team.

The invitation box also includes a finely woven scroll featuring an octagonal bamboo design. When unfolded, it reveals a carefully arranged showcase of handcrafted pieces, celebrating the diverse artistic traditions of the Northeast.