Meghalaya’s ‘knup’ inspires gift design for R-Day guests
A green bamboo coaster inspired by the traditional rain shield will be part of the At-Home reception invitation kit this year
Shillong, Jan 19: On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, India is celebrating its unity in diversity through a thoughtfully designed ‘At-Home’ reception invitation kit this year to pay tribute to the living traditions of Northeast India.
The invitation box sent to guests draws inspiration from the indigenous art and craft traditions of the region.
Meghalaya’s heritage finds a distinctive presence through a green bamboo coaster inspired by the traditional knup rain shield, symbolising the state’s deep connection with bamboo craftsmanship and sustainable living.
The opening section highlights the integrated style of Assamese manuscript painting, followed by a fabric panel depicting the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The scroll also features Sikkim’s thara weaving using stinging nettle yarn, alongside a bamboo jaw harp (gogona), an iconic element of Assam’s Rongali Bihu celebrations.
Other elements include a Mithun motif crafted from Monk Shugu handmade paper representing Arunachal Pradesh; Tripura’s cane and bamboo jewellery made using simple tools and natural adhesives; a fabric panel from the Khiamniungan Naga tribe woven from wild orange rhea plant and Himalayan stinging nettle; and the puan chei, the ornate traditional shawl worn by Mizo women on special occasions. Manipur’s renowned Longpi black pottery, crafted from local clay and black stone, features prominently.
President Droupadi Murmu shared a video of the invitation kit on social media.
Curated by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, the invitation has been conceptualised to provide guests with an immersive experience of Bharat’s diverse craft traditions. It brings together traditional art forms from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, developed through close collaboration between regional artisans and the design teams.
A key highlight of the invitation kit is the wall-hanging scroll crafted using an octagonal bamboo weave pattern that showcases the vibrant cultures and enduring traditions of the eight northeastern states.
Guests attending the ‘At-Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26 will be welcomed with a specially designed eri silk stole, symbolising the textile heritage of the Northeast. The stole has been handwoven with motifs inspired by the streets, animals, birds and flowers of Northeast India, using natural dyes derived from local plants.
