Meghalaya’s traditional items get a platform: Meghalayan Age

The Store, Meghalayan Age is a one-stop market space in the heart of New Delhi that promotes, nurtures, and sells homegrown, handpicked, and handcrafted products made by artists and indigenous tribes from the Meghalaya region. The new State Emporium located at Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan on Baba Kharak Singh Road in Connaught Place was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles.

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The store which has a modern architectural aesthetic, is a state government initiative to increase the value of arts, handicrafts, and textiles produced in Meghalaya. It is a platform to preserve the regions' primitive traditions and cultures and connect local entrepreneurs' efforts and struggles into progressive support and reinforcement systems. This specifically intends to shift the emphasis to the production and manufacturing of food, handicrafts, and natural fiber.

A true depiction of the state's connection to its roots. | Unsplash

The Store features a diverse selection of curated products ranging from Sung Valley's Black Clay Pottery to Ryndia silk. In addition, it sells Meghalayan Agri-products such as Lakadong turmeric, wild forest honey, Sohiong jam, and other locally grown spices, grains, and herbs. The store's architecture embodies the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya's three major tribes, the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo; a true depiction of the state's connection to its roots.

"The Store is not just a business-making entity. It empathetically views the practical challenges of entrepreneurs, particularly women, who intend to progress while continuing to revive the culture. The Meghalayan Age also intends to reduce the carbon footprint by going natural and eco-friendly to emanate a sense and awareness towards sustainable ecotourism. The general consciousness helps foster a spirit of gratitude towards nature and the natural wonders of the world. Local entrepreneurs across Meghalaya will be introduced to market space for customers, clients, curators, and art enthusiasts." says Ridahunlang Gatphoh, Founder of Dak_ti Craft, a social enterprise based in Shillong. (IANS/SP)

(Keywords: Meghalaya, India, market, New Delhi, handcrafted, homegrown, products, artists, Shillong, tribe, textiles, art, spices, herbs, culture, heritage.)