The tradition and culture of over 200 tribes of Northeast have been brought under the single roof at Aadi Mahotsav- A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture and Commerce.

The festival is being organised at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi and it will be open for visitors till February 15, 2020, from 11 am to 9 pm.

The tribes of the northeast have a rich crafts tradition of their own, which reflect their innate natural simplicity, earthiness and identity.

Be it superior Bodo weaves made of cotton or eri; the famed silk textiles, the warm cups and woven shawls from Nagaland and Manipur; or in the beautiful bamboo work from Assam, in the form of baskets, cane chairs, and pen and lampstands, or in the rich organic natural produce which acts as excellent immunity boosters such as honey, spices, and herbs; everything can be found at this national festival.

The Bodo women weavers, considered among the finest weavers in the region, are known for their resplendent weaves; while earlier limited to running fabrics and dokhona, now their product range has expanded.

One can get kurtas, dresses, or stoles, shawls, wrap-around skirts, tops and Kurtis and other accessories.

Saris made of Muga silk, mekhala chador, pretty embroidered blouses from Assam; knitted caps, booties for kids, and pouches from Sikkim and Manipur are also available for sale.

The tribes of the northeast still produce weaves using the older back-strap loom and you can get pretty, handcrafted vibrant bags, pillow covers, pouches made in this way.

The weaves have designs clearly inspired by nature and are classy, sustainable and comfortable. Another highlight is the pottery items made in the exceptional village of Longpi by the Tangkhul Naga tribes of Manipur.

The stalls with the grey-black pots, kettles, mugs, bowls and trays stand out in the crowd. What is exceptional about these is that they aren’t made using the potter’s wheel; instead shaping is done with the hand using some moulds.

Visitors can also get high-quality organic food products such as rice varieties, such as Joha rice from Assam; the black rice from Manipur; pulses, spices such as large cardamom from Sikkim, cinnamon from Meghalaya, the famous Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya and the well-known Naga chillies.

Besides all this, you can taste some authentic North-eastern cuisine as well at the Aadi Vyanjan.

A visit to the Aadi Mahotsav is a good way to experience the vibrant and unique culture of the North-Eastern tribal people.

The Aadi Mahotsav is an annual event and it began in 2017. The festival is an attempt to familiarise people with the rich and diverse craft, the culture of tribal communities across the country, at one place.

However, due to the pandemic, the 2020 edition of the festival could not be held.

Visit Aadi Mahotsav and further the “Vocal for Local” movement! #BuyTribal