Gona Niji, a startup from Arunachal Pradesh, is set to make waves at the 19th Celebrating Northeast India Festival in Istanbul, Türkiye. The event, scheduled for 8 September 2024, will showcase the vibrant culture and crafts of Northeast India on an international stage for the first time.
The North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) is the organiser of the festival, which will be held at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Numerous government agencies, such as the Ministry of Textiles and the Indian Consulate General in Istanbul, have endorsed it.
Local Nowhere: Showcasing Arunachal's Heritage
Gona Niji, hailing from the Kamle district of Arunachal Pradesh, will present its innovative fashion theme "Local Nowhere". This theme aims to spotlight the traditional loom and handicraft heritage of the state, bringing local craftsmanship to a global audience.
"Kamle to Istanbul – our startups are truly going global!" tweeted Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh, expressing his pride." He also praised the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park (APIIP) team for nurturing such remarkable talent.
Festival Highlights and Participation
The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, including thematic pavilions, cultural programmes, and fashion shows. A contingent of 54 members, including designers, models, and folk artists from various Northeastern states, will travel to Istanbul for the event.
Mr. Rai Medhi, Festival Director and CEO of NEIFT, highlighted the extensive participation from Northeastern states at a recent press briefing in New Delhi. He said,
"This year's festival will showcase the unique tourism potential and vibrant culture of our region."
Fostering International Partnerships
Mr. Mijito Vinito, Consular General of India, emphasised the significance of the event, stating, "This is the first time a festival of this scale and nature is being held in Istanbul. It will foster partnerships between Türkiye and the Northeastern states of India, creating new channels for cultural exchange."
A Global Stage for Northeast India
The festival is expected to attract numerous dignitaries and diplomats from Türkiye and around the world. With Gona Niji's participation, Arunachal Pradesh is poised to gain international recognition, providing a boost to local artisans and furthering the state's reputation as a hub of innovation and cultural richness.
As the Northeast India Festival makes its grand debut in Istanbul, it marks a significant milestone for the region's creative industries and their growing impact on the global stage.
Inputs by Agencies
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