`A slice of paradise’: Come, enjoy the culture, food and love of eight North Eastern states in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: All roads lead to Rashtrapati Nilayam, Bolarum. Thanks to Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav 2024, Hyderabadis are making a beeline to the venue to celebrate the exuberance of India’s eight North Eastern states also called eight sisters.

Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region together with Rashtrapati Bhavan and Ministry of Culture, Government of India are showcasing the culture, food, music, and artifacts of India’s eight North Eastern states for eight days starting September 29.

Thousands of Visitors

Unprecedented crowds are thronging the venue to witness the event from 10 am until 8 pm as entry is free. Buggy rides are provided from the gate for the old and infirm.

Unique Crafts

31 GI products have been exhibited at this festival. A GI pavilion and a Natural Dye pavilion have been set up to showcase the products that are unique to the region. The artistic traditions and craftsmanship, as well as the culinary diversity and vibrant tribal culture of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura wowed the citizens of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Cyberabad. Many traveled great distances to attend this event.

Inauguration and dance

For many, it was a rare visit to beautiful Rashtrapati Nilayam. President Droupati Murmu inaugurated the event on September 29 and even joined a ceremonial dance with participants from North-East India.

Art and food

The events provide many school children with the opportunity of a Dussera holiday outing. It helps young minds to understand the cultural heritage of North-East India. The Mahotsav is a place to try authentic North-East food, experience vivid art forms, and shop exquisite handicrafts made by artisans from the region.

The festival gives Hyderabadis a chance to understand and learn the cultural uniqueness and identify the products that are unique to each state. Most visitors were especially appreciative of the straw huts, colorful clothes, basket weaving, and mask-making stalls.

Delighted visitors

“What an amazing event at Rashtrapati Nilayam as the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav event celebrates and immerses everyone into the beautiful North Eastern culture of India. We loved everything about it; the people, the food, the performances, and most of all the absolute best of North Eastern handicrafts. It was a privilege to even tour inside the Rashtrapati Nilayam. What a gem of Indian political history! All these are a must-see for everybody,” says Diantha Reddy, a post graduate student.

“The beautiful dances, songs, rock bands, choir, and food courts the most. We were posted to Jorhat, Assam, for two tenures, and whenever we could, we toured various places of interest. The North East is so green and verdant, the people so friendly and hospitable! The Kaziranga Rhino Sanctuary, the Cemetery at Kohima, the wonders of Nagaland!! The NE states are so diverse, that one need not visit Europe or the Far East, India has enough diversity to satisfy any tourist. The years I spent in the North East were the best years of my life. I have one unfulfilled dream and that is to visit Arunachal Pradesh! It is on my bucket list and after visiting this Mahotsav I will do it sooner rather than later,” says Anu Prasad, a retired Army school principal.

“The NE was brought to us on a silver platter and we relished every bit of it! As someone who has never visited the NE, this Mahotsav held at Rashtrapathi Nilyam at Bolaram, Hyderabad, by the Government of Telangana, was indeed an unforgettable experience. Apart from showcasing a myriad of gorgeous handicrafts from each region, there were live performances of song and dance depicting each state. The food stalls served authentic NE food and the people serving the food were warm and friendly,” says Manjula Reddy, a poet.

“We feasted on a Rs 200/- thali from Meghalaya which had white rice, dal, kachumber, stewed chicken, chicken liver, and a freshly ground red chilly chutney which I’m sure had dried fish in it. It was a wholesome, delicious, and generous meal. The event has been organized beautifully. After parking in a massive maidan, we walked to get our free entry tickets which were scanned upon entry into Rashtrapathi Nilayam. The footfall was monitored and electronically displayed. All the security personnel were helpful and courteous. Our visit to this beautiful week-long event was brightened even more by a children’s choir which kept the crowd mesmerized with their well-trained voices. They sang English, Hindi, and tribal songs. The event left us feeling proud of our great Nation and its varied cultures.”