Sharing a short film of the invitation kit on X, President Murmu highlighted that it celebrates the living traditions of India’s North-Eastern Region.
"Here's a glimpse of the specially designed 'At-Home' invitation that has been sent from the President of India to the guests for the 77th Republic Day. The invitation kit this year celebrates the living traditions of India’s North-Eastern Region. This invitation is a tribute to the skilled artisans and craftspersons of the Ashtalakshmi states,” she wrote.
Here's a glimpse of the specially designed 'At-Home' invitation that has been sent from the President of India to the guests for the 77th Republic Day.
The invitation kit this year celebrates the living traditions of India’s North Eastern Region. This invitation is a tribute to… pic.twitter.com/pUDkRUj5TI
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 18, 2026
Curated by the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, the invitation was created through a collaboration involving over 350 artisans. The invitation kit features elements from the eight Ashtalakshmi states, highlighting traditional knowledge, natural ecosystems, and craftsmanship.
As Rashtrapati Bhavan welcomes esteemed guests on January 26, "we invite you to experience the cultural and artistic heritage of Bharat”, reads the invitation card.
The invitation box itself is crafted using traditional techniques, featuring a woven bamboo mat and a handmade paper tag. The inner scroll showcases handcrafted works from the eight states, including Assam's bamboo jaw harp 'Gogona', Manipur's Longpi black pottery, and Tripura's cane and bamboo jewellery. The design is a confluence of elements reflecting the distinctive traditions and natural ecosystems of the region.
The video continues, an Eri silk (Ahimsa Silk) stole has been 'specially designed for this occasion'. The stole carries visual references to the region's natural world, such as Nagaland's Mithun and Rhododendron flower, and Manipur's Shirui Lily and Sangai deer.
In a conversation with PTI, Prof. Andrea Noronha, who led the team for the 2026 Republic Day invitation, highlighted several challenges faced during the project. “However, through NID’s experience of working in the region for many decades and our network of alumni contributing meaningfully in the sector, this task was negotiated in the tight time frame required,” she added.
