Singtha Naga plate and bundles of dry corn husks displayed at the President’s “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day, January 26, symbolising the warmth and bounty of the Naga kitchen. They are paired with a Naga shawl. (Photo Courtesy: NEHHDC)
New Delhi, January 27 (MExN): Nagaland’s traditional crafts, textiles and agro-horticultural produce featured prominently alongside those of other North-East States as the region’s handlooms and handicrafts took centre stage at the President’s “At Home” reception held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day.
Curated and presented by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), the exhibition brought together handlooms, handicrafts and indigenous produce from all eight North-East States, highlighting the region’s cultural diversity and shared traditions, the NEHHDC said in a press release.
Among the exhibits representing Nagaland were the Singtha Naga plate and dry corn husks, symbolising traditional hospitality and culinary practices.
The geometric patterns of Naga Loin Loom weaves were also displayed, with red symbolising valour and black representing the earth, the release informed.
Nagaland’s renowned Naga King Chilli was also showcased as part of a curated display of GI-tagged produce from the NE, presented in a themed installation symbolising the lifeline of major waterways of the region.
The presentation highlighted indigenous agricultural practices and biodiversity across the NE.
Among others, the reception was attended by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, senior officials, diplomats and international dignitaries, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council.
NEHHDC-curated installations transformed the venue into a cultural gallery showcasing indigenous engineering, sustainable livelihoods and community traditions from across the North-East, the release added. Traditional cultural performances from all eight States were also presented during the reception.
As per NEHHDC, signifying icons of welcome and hospitality, guests were greeted by the Brass Xorai and the Assamese Gamosa. These were paired with the Singtha Naga plate and bundles of dry corn husks, representing the warmth and bounty of the Naga kitchen.
The installations also paid tribute to the region’s landscape while wetlands were showcased through traditional fishing gear such as Jakoi, Polo and Juluki, all crafted from bamboo, it said.
The “Loinloom Stage” highlighted the ancient back-strap weaving technique common to hill tribes, while the dining experience was enhanced by octagonal table mats representing the eight States, it added. These mats featured distinct motifs such as the Moirang Phee (Manipur), Puanropui (Mizoram), Risa (Tripura) and geometric Naga patterns.
The showcase at Rashtrapati Bhavan marked a landmark moment for the NEby bringing the region’s crafts, culture and produce to the national stage, while reinforcing efforts to preserve and promote its living heritage, the NEHHDC added.
