Independence Day 2026: Crafts from four states adorn President’s At Home invite

In a striking display of cultural heritage, President Draupadi Murmu will host an Independence Day reception on August 15, inviting 650 guests, including notable citizens from four states. These states are Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, whose crafts and traditions will be showcased throughout the event. The menu, decor, and performances will all feature elements from central India.

One notable feature of the invite is a specially curated bag containing figurines crafted using Pitwa art from Bastar. This environmentally-conscious design, created in collaboration with the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, showcases the Kaavi art of the coastal Konkan region. The bag also includes a handwoven Maheshwari stole, a display frame with Pitwa art figurines, and Azulejo tiles depicting Goa’s Khajan lands - a centuries-old coastal wetland ecosystem managed by communities.

The event is expected to highlight the unique crafts and conservation efforts from these four states, with a particular focus on central India.