Image Source: PIB

A group of artisans and weavers from India’s North Eastern states met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 19, 2026. The interaction highlighted crafts that were earlier featured in the invitation kit for the Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception held on January 26, 2026. The meeting focused on traditional skills, cultural heritage, and efforts to support rural livelihoods across Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

Artisans from across the North Eastern region presented diverse craft forms during the interaction. These included bamboo and banana fibre baskets from Nagaland, handwoven stoles from Assam, black pottery from Manipur and natural fibre products from Sikkim. The crafts were earlier used in designing the invitation kit for the Rashtrapati Bhavan ‘At Home’ reception. Officials noted that the initiative aimed to recognise traditional knowledge systems and highlight regional craftsmanship on a national platform.

Focus On Self Reliance And Skill Preservation

President Droupadi Murmu interacted with the visiting artisans and weavers and appreciated their role in preserving cultural heritage. She emphasised the importance of supporting traditional occupations to promote self-reliance and expand market access for rural communities. She said that such skills should be documented and passed on to younger generations. The artisans shared their experiences of participating in national-level events at Rashtrapati Bhavan and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience.

Image Source:PIB