A vibrant three-day Arunachal Pradesh GI Mahotsav highlighting the state's rich heritage in textiles, handicrafts, agriculture, and cuisine is underway in New Delhi. The event, inaugurated on February 28 at the Select City Walk mall, presents visitors with a unique experience of Arunachal Pradesh's colorful culture and warm hospitality, right in the heart of India's capital.
Celebrating Arunachal Pradesh's Geographical Indication Products
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the festival as an essential platform for showcasing the state's unique Geographical Indication (GI) products at the national level. Arunachal Pradesh has so far secured GI tags for 20 distinct products, aiming to increase this figure to 50 by the year 2030.“This festival is a tribute to the identity of our land and the hard work of our artisans and farmers. Let’s come together to promote, support, and take pride in our cultural treasures,” said Chief Minister Khandu.
Promoting Indigenous Crafts and Cultural Diversity
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who inaugurated the festival, emphasized the importance of providing national exposure to Arunachal Pradesh’s craftspeople, entrepreneurs, and farmers. He highlighted that the festival showcases 20 treasured GI-tagged products and offers recognition and new opportunities for local artisans and producers.Pradhan also drew attention to the rich linguistic heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, which boasts over 100 distinct dialects. He pledged the Ministry of Education’s commitment to developing primers aimed at preserving and promoting these indigenous languages.
“May this vibrant celebration inspire us to cherish, honour, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage of Bharat,” Pradhan added.
Heritage and Development: A Unified Vision
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Purvodaya' vision, Pradhan praised the Arunachal Pradesh government for promoting the state's culture and craftsmanship. He noted that the festival embodies the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' by bridging the past and future, demonstrating how heritage and development can coexist and flourish.Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who belongs to Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated the festival as a genuine representation of the state’s rich heritage. Rijiju noted that each GI-tagged product, from intricate textiles to unique agricultural produce, carries the passion and legacy of Arunachal Pradesh’s artisans and farmers.
“Such initiatives open new doors for our artisans, connecting their creations to the world. Truly glad to witness this celebration of heritage, skill, and opportunities,” Rijiju remarked.
Strengthening Market Potential for Artisans and Farmers
Chief Minister Khandu emphasized that the GI Mahotsav plays a critical role in promoting Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous products, thus enhancing the state's presence in national and international markets.“The GI Mahotsav is a crucial step in promoting and preserving our indigenous products, while also strengthening Arunachal’s position in national and international markets. Let’s continue supporting our artisans, traditional industries, and cultural heritage,” Khandu concluded.
The Arunachal Pradesh GI Mahotsav not only highlights the immense potential of the state’s artisans, weavers, and farmers but also empowers them through global recognition and market expansion.
