Unveiling the Craftsmanship Behind President Murmu’s Unique Republic Day Invitation Box

For the dignitaries invited to President Droupadi Murmu's At Home reception on India's 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the experience begins long before they set foot in Rashtrapati Bhavan. In recent years, the traditional white invitation card has been transformed into a handcrafted box that celebrates India's regional artistry.

As videos of India Post delivering these beautifully designed boxes go viral, many are curious about how the unique crafts from all eight Northeastern states were incorporated into a single bamboo box.

Behind the Scenes

The design and execution of this one-of-a-kind invitation were spearheaded by the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad. Professors Andrea Noronha, Dr. C.S. Susanth, and Dr. Ashok Mondal collaborated with hundreds of local artisans to bring the project to fruition.

Prof. Noronha shared, "Our brief from Rashtrapati Bhavan was consistent with last year's: to highlight the crafts of local Indian artisans and remind everyone of India’s rich heritage through design. The aim was to celebrate the artistry of the Northeast region and showcase how these traditions continue to shape our national identity."

The project spanned nearly three and a half months, divided into two phases: 45 days of sourcing materials from the Northeast and another 45 days of meticulous assembly at the NID campus, involving about 200 rural artisans and toolmakers, along with 100 students and faculty members.

Contents of the Invitation Box

Each element inside the bamboo-mat box represents a different Northeastern state. The invitation text is engraved on a wooden slate and accompanied by an array of handcrafted keepsakes, including Assam's melodious Gogona jaw harp, Tripura’s delicate cane jewelry, and Nagaland’s rare orange wild rhea and stinging nettle fabric, which reflects the revival of ancient tribal traditions. The box also features Mizoram’s ornate Puan Chei textile and Manipur’s Neolithic-style Longpi black pottery, showcasing the Shirui Lily.

Prof. Noronha credited the deep network of NID alumni in the Northeast for facilitating this massive logistical endeavor. “Craftsmanship like this is developed over decades, and our invitation merely skims the surface of the local craft scene,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of community connections in reviving rare crafts.

The ultimate goal of the 2026 invitation is longevity. Designed to be a permanent wall hanging, it aims to preserve age-old crafts while educating the public about them. For President Murmu, the box symbolizes a tribute to the living traditions and sustainable skills of the Northeast, ensuring that the craftsmanship of these states remains a part of Indian households long after Republic Day has passed.

This Year's Celebration: Chief Guests and More

The 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi will host two prominent European Union dignitaries as chief guests: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council. This marks the first occasion India has invited the EU’s top leaders together as chief guests, underscoring the strengthening ties between India and the EU amidst ongoing discussions about a Free Trade Agreement.