The rich cultural tapestry of Arunachal Pradesh took center stage at the national capital as works by renowned designer Yachi Natung Taniang were featured in the “Padma Doree” exhibition. Held at the Travancore Palace from May 1–3, the event was organized by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) to showcase a groundbreaking cross-regional textile initiative. Yachi Natung Taniang, the Managing Director of Tribal Pattern, contributed works that emphasize the artistic depth of Arunachal’s indigenous patterns. Her participation marks a significant moment for the state’s regional identity, bringing traditional motifs to a prestigious national platform. The exhibition serves as the public debut for Padma Doree, a project designed to blend two of India’s most celebrated heritage crafts: the “Ahimsa” Eri silk of the Northeast and the intricate Chanderi weaving of Madhya Pradesh.
Supported by a funding of ₹4.84 crore, the Padma Doree initiative aims to create a sustainable and luxury textile value chain. By linking raw material production from the Northeast—including silk sourced from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya—with the established weaving clusters of Central India, the project fosters a unique craft ecosystem. To solidify this partnership, the NEHHDC recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the District Archaeology, Tourism and Culture Council (DATCC) of Madhya Pradesh.
According to Neeraj Kumar, Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Development of the Northeastern Region (DoNER), the resulting fabric is a masterpiece of fusion. The final textile combines the signature softness and thermal properties of Eri silk with the lightweight, sheer elegance of Chanderi. This “indigenous luxury” segment is expected to expand global market access for local artisans while preserving ancient techniques.
The Padma Doree exhibition not only highlights the individual brilliance of designers like Taniang but also signals a strategic push by the government to integrate the country’s eastern, central, and western craft traditions. By bridging these regional gaps, the initiative ensures that the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and its neighbors continues to thrive in the modern global economy.
