A three-day Arunachal Pradesh GI Mahotsav, celebrating the state's rich heritage in textiles, handicrafts, cuisines, and agricultural produce, commenced in the national capital on 28 February.
The festival, held at Select City Walk mall, aims to provide national exposure to Arunachal’s indigenous craftsmanship and culinary traditions.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the event as a platform to highlight the state's finest Geographical Indication (GI) products, stating that 20 products from Arunachal Pradesh have already received GI tags, with a target of 50 by 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," Khandu remarked.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who inaugurated the festival on 1 March, noted that the event not only showcases 20 distinguished products from Arunachal Pradesh but also provides a national platform for its artisans, entrepreneurs, and farmers.
He emphasised the state's rich linguistic diversity, pointing out that Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 100 dialects.
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"The Ministry of Education is committed to creating primers to preserve and promote all indigenous languages of Arunachal Pradesh. May this vibrant celebration inspire us to cherish, honour, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage of Bharat," Pradhan stated.
Appreciating the state government's efforts to promote its cultural legacy beyond its borders, Pradhan linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Purvodaya' vision, aimed at enhancing the prosperity of the 'Ashtalakshmi' states.
"The Arunachal GI Festival, besides being a reflection of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', is also a bridge between the past and the future, demonstrating that 'heritage and development' can flourish together," he added.
Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, himself from Arunachal Pradesh, described the festival as a true celebration of the state's remarkable heritage.
"The colours, craftsmanship, and stories behind every GI-tagged product reflect the passion, legacy, and identity of the people of Arunachal. From intricate textiles to unique GI-tagged produce, the festival is a tribute to the artisans and farmers who have preserved their craft for generations," Rijiju observed.
He further stressed that initiatives such as these serve to create new opportunities for artisans by connecting them with larger markets.
"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," he said.
The festival underlines the immense potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s weavers, artisans, and farmers, empowering them through broader market reach and global recognition.
"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 affirmed.
Also read: Arunachal key to India’s energy future, says VP Dhankhar
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