New Delhi, January 13, 2026 – Rashtrapati Bhavan has unveiled a specially curated invitation for the ‘At Home’ reception to be hosted on Republic Day 2026, placing the vibrant cultural heritage of India’s North-East at the centre of the celebration. Designed as a tribute to the artisans and craftspersons of the Ashtalakshmi states, the invitation showcases the region’s age-old skills, living traditions, and unparalleled cultural diversity, reflecting India’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous crafts.

The Ashtalakshmi states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura – are symbolically associated with the eight forms of prosperity. Through the invitation, these states’ craftsmanship, textile traditions, and folk arts are being celebrated, offering guests a tangible and artistic insight into the region’s cultural landscape.

Design Rooted in Indian Craftsmanship

The invitation, meticulously designed by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, is a testament to India’s rich craft traditions and attention to detail. It arrives housed in a carefully crafted box, featuring an embossed print of Rashtrapati Bhavan in dark red set against a soft beige background. Long horizontal motifs running along two sides of the box impart a refined, traditional aesthetic, subtly blending elegance with cultural symbolism.

Once opened, the box reveals the invitation text engraved on a wooden slate, accompanied by a curated collection of keepsakes representing the North-East’s diverse craft heritage. Among these are cane and bamboo jewellery from Tripura, as well as the Gogona, a bamboo jaw harp from Assam. Each artifact has been selected to embody the living traditions and artisanal legacy of the region, offering recipients a sensory experience that is both educational and celebratory.

The Invitation Box and Its Contents

The Republic Day ‘At Home’ invitation box is crafted using a woven bamboo mat, reflecting traditional weaving techniques while presenting a modern aesthetic. The outer cover carries a handmade paper tag bearing the guest’s address, paired with a bamboo artwork created from a specially smoked bamboo split, giving it a rich brown finish and an artisanal touch.

Inside, guests discover a wall-hanging scroll constructed using an octagonal bamboo weave pattern. This bamboo mat scroll unfolds to display handcrafted creations representing each of India’s north-eastern states. The designs incorporate elements of the region’s flora and fauna, integrating Assamese manuscript painting motifs on the cover with depictions of native plants and animals on the fabric panel beneath the invitation. These artistic touches not only highlight local biodiversity but also showcase the North-East’s long-standing visual traditions.

The invitation also includes a specially designed Eri silk stole, often referred to as ‘Peace Silk’ or ‘Ahimsa Silk.’ Eri silk is integral to the textile heritage and local economy of north-east India, produced using a process that does not harm the silkworm, aligning with the principles of sustainability and ethical craftsmanship.

Other notable artifacts include Longpi Black Pottery from Manipur, an ancient pottery tradition practiced by the Tangkhul Naga tribe since the Neolithic period. Traditionally used to craft household utensils, Longpi Black Pottery is distinguished by its unique firing technique and blackened finish, reflecting centuries of artisanal knowledge passed down through generations.

From Mizoram comes the handwoven Puan Chei, a traditional wraparound garment or shawl widely worn in the state. Nagaland’s contribution features the Orange Wild Rhea and stinging nettle fabric, created by the Khiamniungan Naga tribe, combining natural fibers with intricate weaving to produce distinctive textile patterns. Assam’s Gogona, a bamboo jaw harp, completes the collection, highlighting the musical heritage of the region alongside its visual and textile arts.

A Moment of Honour for Recipients

According to a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), India Post delivered the invitations to distinguished guests invited to the Republic Day ‘At Home 2026’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Cultural Centre. One such invitation was sent to Dr. G. Natchiar, Director of Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, representing the Tamil Nadu Southern Postal Region.

Dr. Natchiar expressed that receiving the invitation filled her with immense pride and joy, describing it as “a moment of honour not just for me personally but for the entire administrative team associated with the institution.” The sentiment reflects the symbolic importance of the invitation, which not only recognizes individual contributions but also celebrates the collective spirit of excellence and service in diverse fields across the country.

Celebrating North-East India on a National Platform

By placing the North-East at the centre of the Republic Day celebration, President Droupadi Murmu’s office has highlighted the region’s cultural richness and artisanal excellence on a national stage. Often described as India’s most diverse and ethnically varied region, the North-East boasts a wide range of crafts, textiles, musical traditions, and performing arts. The specially curated invitation serves as both a tribute and an introduction to this heritage, allowing guests to engage directly with authentic craft forms.

The focus on local artisans underscores the government’s efforts to promote traditional skills and provide recognition to craft communities that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream cultural narratives. By integrating functional artifacts like the Eri silk stole, bamboo jewellery, and Gogona into the invitation, the initiative bridges ceremonial presentation with practical appreciation of local craft.

A Design That Honors Tradition and Sustainability

The choice of materials and design elements in the invitation also reflects a commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment. The woven bamboo mat, smoked bamboo artwork, and handwoven textiles exemplify traditional methods that are both environmentally conscious and culturally resonant. Eri silk, in particular, is produced without harming silkworms, aligning with principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and ethical production.

This thoughtful integration of heritage and sustainability highlights a growing trend in official and ceremonial designs, where ecological considerations and cultural authenticity are equally prioritized. Guests receive not just a formal invite but a curated cultural experience that emphasizes heritage, artistry, and the ethos of responsible craftsmanship.

Conclusion: A Celebration Beyond Ceremony

President Murmu’s Republic Day 2026 invitation is more than a formal communication; it is a celebration of India’s diversity, craftsmanship, and cultural depth. By focusing on the Ashtalakshmi states, the invitation elevates the contributions of north-eastern artisans and craftspeople, bringing their centuries-old skills into the national spotlight. From the Longpi Black Pottery of Manipur to the Eri silk of Assam, and the Gogona bamboo jaw harp, each artifact tells a story of tradition, skill, and identity.

As distinguished guests prepare to attend the ‘At Home’ reception on January 26, 2026, the invitation serves as a tangible reminder of India’s living traditions, the creativity of its artisans, and the cultural wealth of its often-overlooked regions. Through this initiative, the office of the President has crafted an experience that is at once ceremonial, educational, and celebratory, honoring the country’s north-eastern heritage in a manner befitting the Republic Day festivities.

In essence, the invitation represents a bridge between tradition and modern ceremonial practice, inviting recipients to not only witness but also engage with the cultural richness of India’s north-eastern states, making Republic Day 2026 a truly inclusive and representative celebration.