Celebrating the Spirit of the North East: Exhibition of Indigenous Art, Crafts, Handloom Traditions & Food Culture Opens on 15th November at Bodoland University
Kokrajhar,Rongili Barta: The vibrant heritage of North East India will come alive at the Exhibition of Indigenous Art & Crafts, Handloom Traditions & Food Culture, being held from 15th to 22nd November 2025 at the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Auditorium Frontyard, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar.
Organised under Project Empowering marginalised women of the Sixth Scheduled Areas of Assam (EMWSSAA), funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, and in collaboration with TRIFED, this unique exhibition celebrates the region’s rich tapestry of creativity, craftsmanship and cuisine.
The event will be inaugurated as part of the 150th Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations honouring the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The inaugural session will be graced by eminent dignitaries including Hon’ble Chief of Bodoland Territorial Council, Shri Hagrama Mohilary; Prof. B.L. Ahuja, Vice- Chancellor, Bodoland University; Shri. P.S. Aleng, IRS, General Manager, TRIFED-NER**; and Mr. Dawa Penjor, General Secretary, Bhutan–India Friendship Association, Gelephu Chapter, as Guest of Honour, Colonel David L Khojol, Commanding officer, 135 Infantry Battalion (TA), Ecological, Assam as Guest of Honor.
The inaugural programme will feature a traditional welcome dance (Dahal Thungri), book release, cultural performances, and the formal opening of the exhibition by the Chief Guest.
As the sun sets, the celebrations continue with a grand inaugural evening featuring a ramp walk by Aronai Entertainment highlighting North East’s traditional weaves and designs, a musical dialogue on Zubeen Garg by artists P. Gogoi, Anshuman Baruah and Pragyashree Phukan, and a live performance by The Family Tree Band, promising a night of rhythm, energy and togetherness.
The week-long exhibition will also include special highlights such as:
- 17th November 2025: Tribal Artisan Empanelment Mela by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
- 19th November 2025: Oral & Written Histories: Indigenous Arts, Weaving, Ecological Crafts, Food Traditions and Languages organised Under project EMWSSAA, funded by NEC, Ministry of DoNER NEIHA.
Visitors can explore authentic handlooms, eco-friendly crafts, and traditional cuisines from across the North East — offering an immersive experience of the region’s diverse culture, artistry, and flavours.