The grounds of Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bolaram, Secunderabad, were alive with excitement as visitors thronged the Maitei house near the Manipur pavilion, cameras snapping photos of the captivating displays. In another part of the grand estate, the melodic strains of the brangshi, a traditional flute used by the Rabha community, mingled with the rhythmic beats of the taal (metallic cymbals) and the khol (percussion instrument). This picturesque scene is part of Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav 2024, an eight-day festival devoted to showcasing the diverse and rich cultural heritage of India’s northeastern region.
Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav (BKM), a joint initiative by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ministry of Development of the Northeast Region, and the Ministry of Culture, offers a vivid window into Northeast India’s vibrant traditions. People are flocking to the festival, eager to learn about the culture, cuisine, and daily lives of people from this often underrepresented part of the country. The first edition of BKM dedicated to the Northeastern States, the event deftly weaves together cultural performances, exhibitions, culinary experiences, and interactive sessions to create an all-encompassing cultural immersion.
Nagaland’s folk dances spotlight the mesmerizing traditions of the region, thrilling onlookers with their grace and vigor. Rakesh Raj, a businessman, expressed his enthusiasm while browsing through intricately crafted wooden items at the Nagaland stall. “I always wondered who crafted all these beautiful wooden pieces I see on Instagram pages of the State. Here, I shopped for salad bowls, cups, and tongs, all made of wood and bamboo. The finesse will surprise everyone, and the affordable rates are an add-on,” he remarked.
At the event, artisans are hard at work in special display stalls, demonstrating traditional skills in weaving, wood carving, jewelry making, and bell metal utensil crafting. Each of the eight State pavilions—representing Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—provides visitors the opportunity to purchase unique handicrafts and handlooms. Live demonstrations further enhance this experience as artisans passionately create their handcrafted masterpieces before the visitors’ eyes.
The festival also features a Geographical Indication (GI) product zone, an immersive digital selfie area, and a technology-enabled youth engagement zone, all of which are designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Northeastern cultures. Spacious and airy designated display areas have been thoughtfully equipped with jumbo fans and desert coolers to ensure the comfort of all attendees.
Ranjit Baruah of Aromica Tea, who is showcasing his brand’s special tea collection, praised the festival’s arrangements and the enthusiastic response from visitors.
. “We couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement. The response from the visitors is overwhelming. At every stall, there are inquiries about our crafts, silks, and food,” said Baruah.
Beyond the exquisite crafts and engaging cultural performances, the food stalls are a gastronomic delight, presenting traditional dishes from Assamese, Naga, Sikkimese, Khasi, and Mizo cuisines. Dimitry R, who has a stall in the Nagaland pavilion, shared his positive interactions with college students, who showed a deep interest in the crafts and the region itself. “The questions they ask about our craft show they are all interested in knowing about the region. Many of them say they want to travel, but they haven’t been able to do so for various reasons. Surprisingly, no one asked me about safety concerns about the regions. Many years back, the only question we faced was, ‘how safe is the Northeast to travel,’” he noted.
The event is also a testament to the President’s vision of transforming the President’s estates into dynamic hubs of cultural exchange. Launched by Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2024, the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the rich diversity of India, bringing the country’s varied cultural threads together in one cohesive tapestry.
Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav 2024 at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad, promises to be an enlightening and enchanting experience, open to all until October 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This grand celebration not only brings the often-overlooked cultural treasures of the Northeast into the spotlight but also fosters a spirit of unity and appreciation across the nation.
