North East Pavilion inaugurated at Noida Haat to showcase NE's rich culture

Noida: North East Pavilion, a dedicated showroom displaying textiles and handicrafts from India’s Northeast region, has been inaugurated at Noida Haat in Uttar Pradesh on October 23, 2024. Initiated by the North East Entrepreneurs Empowerment Forum (NEEEF), the showroom aims to promote the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Northeastern states to a wider audience.

The opening ceremony, organised by the North East Entrepreneurs Forum (NEEF) in collaboration with ITE Group India, was attended by prominent guests, including Dr. Ishita Ganguly Tripathi from the Union Ministry of MSME, who served as the chief guest. Also in attendance were Joint Secretary Mercy Epao, Textile Sector Skill Council CEO Swapna Mishra, and other ministry officials. K. Bijaya Chanu, Chairman, NEEEF delivered the 'Vote of Thanks' in the Programme.

North East Pavilion To Connect Artisans to Wider Markets, Celebrate Assam Silk

The Northeast region (NER) of India is well-known for its vibrant textile and handicraft traditions. Sericulture, or silk production, is a prominent industry, particularly in Assam, which is renowned for its unique 'golden fiber' Muga silk. Local designs such as the Phali (or Bhunue Champa Ranga), a red cotton cloth used by Bodo and Cachari communities, reflect the distinctive cultural identity of the region.

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The region’s artisans use natural materials and colors to create harmonious designs, a practice rooted in traditional knowledge passed down through generations. According to the 2019-20 All India Handloom Census, 58% of India’s weaver households are located in the Northeast, with Assam alone accounting for more than two-thirds of the country’s handloom workers.

NEEEF’s North East Pavilion seeks to serve as a bridge, connecting these skilled artisans to markets across India and beyond, while institutions like the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) continue to play a pivotal role in the development of this sector since its establishment in 1977.