The Northeastern region of India is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage. From unique culinary practices to ethnically vibrant traditions, the region is home to more than 200 tribal groups. Yet, the cultural wealth of Northeast India remains unknown and often relegated to the peripheries, due to geographical distance and a lack of representation by earlier governments.

However, since 2014, a powerful cultural resurgence has unfolded. Decades of cultural alienation and ignorance are now being replaced by a decade of assimilation and mainstreaming. From cultural practices to the rich tradition and heritage of Northeast India, it is now being showcased on the World stage.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that “Northeast is neither far from Delhi nor from the heart”, it reflects the steps taken by the current government over the last 11 years to integrate the region into the vision of Viksit Bharat. In this integration process, promotion and preservation of cultural elements remain a vital component. The government, under the leadership of PM Modi, conducted many events at the national level, which promoted the culture of the region. Last year, the first-ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav was held in Delhi, where the nation got a chance to witness the diverse culture of the 8 states of the region- and it benefited the region from an investment perspective. When PM Modi inaugurated the first Bodoland Mahotsav in Delhi in 2024, it powerfully showcased the journey of resilience and renewal of the Bodo community following the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020. In stark contrast to earlier decades, which were marked by neglect towards both peace-building and the cultural upliftment of the region, this moment signaled a new era of national recognition and celebration of culture.

Another core aspect of cultural mainstreaming engages with developing, redeveloping, and preserving heritage sites. Under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 16 projects in the North Eastern region of India, with themes of Heritage, Wildlife, Spiritual, Tribal, and Eco-adventure, amounting to more than Rs. 1,337 crores. Further, 11 projects were sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme from the region. Similarly, under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme, a total of 11 projects were sanctioned with a total amount of around Rs. 253 crores. All these developments led to a surge in the number of tourists visiting the region. The region witnessed more than 1 crore domestic tourists and over 2 lakh international tourists in 2023 alone.

In terms of promoting culture, the government set up the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) at Dimapur. In addition, North Eastern Council (NEC) also supported state governments in organising festivals like Sangai Festival (Manipur), Behdienkhlam Festival (Meghalaya), Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) etc. across the region to ensure greater participation of the people from various parts of the country, promote tourism economy and reducing cultural gap with other parts of the country. From adorning the ethnic attire of Northeast India to being a part of record-breaking cultural celebrations, PM Modi always promoted the unique culture of the region. For instance, in April 2023, PM Modi visited Assam and became a part of the Guinness World Record-making Bihu celebration, where over 11,000 artists performed together. Similarly, this year also saw PM Modi’s participation in the Jhumoir Binandini programme, where 8,000 artists performed the Jhumoir dance, a folk dance of the Assam Tea Tribe and Adivasi Communities of Assam. Similarly, when PM Modi adorned the Gamocha at the UN HQ lawn on International Yoga Day, he actively promoted the unique cultural heritage of Assam on the global stage.

The government has not only promoted the culture but also created an enabling environment where elements of local culture and products from the region garner global traction. Many GI-tagged products from the region are making their way to the global market. For instance, be it the first-ever export of GI-tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands, or Khasi Mandarin and Ginger being exported to Dubai.

A decade ago, many across the country might not have been able to name the eight diverse states that comprise Northeast India. Now, due to initiatives like the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and sustained government efforts, the region has taken its rightful place in the heart of every Indian. A significant milestone was the year-long celebration in 2022, marking the 400th birth anniversary of the great Ahom warrior, Lachit Borphukan, who fought bravely against the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat. The unsung heroes from the region are also being honoured, with renewed attention to their sacrifices and contributions. In Manipur, the Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum stands as a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter's enduring legacy. Similarly, the valiant spirit of U Tirot Sing Syiem, the Khasi leader who led the resistance against British colonial forces during the Anglo-Khasi War, was also being remembered, and the nation came to know about his indomitable spirit through Mann Ki Baat.

The government also demonstrated its commitment to restoring the glorious history of the region. The foundation stone laid for the project aims to beautify Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, celebrating the rich legacy of the Ahom rule in Assam. Since 2014, two heritage sites from Northeast India, namely Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim and Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty of Assam have been inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage list. This is a significant record as the last site added from the region was in 1985.

Not only celebrating culture, but the government is encouraging and honouring people associated with the field of culture and literature. Since 2014, over 130 individuals from the region have received Padma awards. Moreover, over the last 10 years, around 50 people working on art and literature from the region received Padma awards. Such recognition led to knowing the awardees and their unique art forms and traditional practices. For instance, when President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Shri to Shri Rona Bhuyan, a renowned exponent of the folk traditions' Suknani Ojapali' and 'Deodhani dance,' it brought national attention to these unique art forms. Similarly, the recognition of Hanjabam Radhe Devi for her mastery of Manipur's Potloi weaving style not only honored her craft but also revitalised this fading tradition.

Now, gone are the days when the rest of the nation was unaware of the region. Now, northeastern culture is going global.

With Prime Minister Modi making nearly 80 visits and Union Ministers conducting more than 700 visits to the region, the Northeast has become an integral part of India’s mainstream policy framework. Now, Northeast Indian culture is being preserved and celebrated on both national and global platforms, emerging as a core of India’s soft power.