Spotlight North East Storefront by Amazon

North East India has a rich, vibrant and unique culture, tradition and cuisines. The rest of the world knows little about the art and crafts of this region. So, to showcase this, Amazon has launched the “Spotlight North East” storefront on its platform.

Spotlight North East is a dedicated program to bring almost 50,000 local artisans, weavers and small key businesses from North East India online. You will be able to buy unique local products and hidden gems from this region from Amazon. Spotlight North East was announced in Amazon Sambhav 2021.

In this post, I will share all the details of Spotlight North East Storefront by Amazon. I will give a detailed insight into all the products you can buy through this program.

Which States of India are covered under Spotlight North East Storefront by Amazon?

North East India is the easternmost region of India. It is officially known as North Eastern Region (NER). This region represents both the geographic and political administrative division of India. There are 8 states which comprise North East India

All the 8 North East States are covered under Spotlight North East by Amazon. To list, they are.

• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Manipur
• Meghalaya
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• Sikkim
• Tripura

Brief Info about North East India

In this section, I will give some brief information about the states of North East India. This will give you overall knowledge to know about it.

Capital of the 8 North Eastern States

Distance of all the Major City of North Eastern States from Guwahati

Guwahati is the Gateway of North East India. For you to go to other states of the North East, you have to through Guwahati except Sikkim and air travel.

Official Languages

Mission of  Spotlight North East Storefront by Amazon

• Boosting the local economy and accelerating digitization of North East India.
• Bring the benefit of e-commerce to 50,000 local weavers, artisans and small business by 2025
• Boost export of special agri-commodities like tea, honey and species 
• Taking signature products from North East India to global markets
• Empower women and tribal communities
• Bring 5000+ unique craft, Geographical Indication (GI) products and other local products of North East India on its platform.

Partners of Spotlight North East Storefront by Amazon

Amazon has partnered with  Government agencies like TRIFED and NEHHDC for projecting and fulfilling their mission of Spotlight North East

TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation)

TRIFED is a national level cooperative body established in 1987. IT’s main aim is to raise the socio-economic development of the tribals of the country. They do this by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/ cultivated by them.

NEHHDC (North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms)

NEHHDC is a Government of India Enterprise incorporated in 1977. This organization develops and promotes the indigenous crafts of North Eastern states. It connects craftsmen of this region to prospective markets and consumers.

Signature Products of Spotlight North East Products 

Mekhla Chador of  Assam

Mekhela Chador is the primary traditional dress of Assam worn by women. Assam is famous worldwide for its Muga Silk mekhela chador. It is used in daily lifestyle as well as in special occasions. Muga Silk is the rarest Silk produced in the world.

Bamboo Mats of Tripura

Bamboo Mats of Tripura are the finest bamboo splits. The bamboo is woven into cotton or polyester wrap. Bamboo mats is used as table runners, yoga mats and general mats.

Thangka Paintings of Sikkim

Thangka Painting is famous for its artistic value. This painting is generally spiritual in nature because the subject of the painting involves the life of Buddha and his teachings.

It originates back in the 7th century. It was traditionally used as a teaching aid by Buddhist Lamas. To make a Thangka Painting it takes months.

Lakadong Turmeric of Meghalaya

Lakadong Turmeric is the world’s best turmeric. Because it contains more curcumin than other turmeric. Curcumin helps to improve skin, heart and brain functions.

It is locally grown in Lakadong, a place in the foothills of Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Cane & Bamboo Handicrafts of Mizoram

Mizoram’s wicker works and basketry is well known all over India. Artisans of this state create utility as well as designer decorative pieces from bamboo and cane. Some of them are Mizo Thul & Khumbeu, Empai & Flower Vase, Hnangtah lai

Black Rice of Manipur

Popularly known as Chakhao, Manipur’s black rice has a GI tag. It is black in color glutinous rice characterized by its special aroma. It has been cultivated in Manipur over centuries. Black Rice is the signature product of Spotlight North East.

From a Nutritional point of view, Black Rice of Manipur is a rich source of anthocyanin. It is also packed with Vitamin E, Proteins and Fibres. It is used in Manipur as a part of traditional medicine.

Naga Chilli of Nagaland

It is the sister variant of Bhut Jolokia, It has over 10 lakhs SHU. There are many health benefits of eating Naga Chilli. Consuming Naga Chilli on a regular basis has prevented cancer, heart related disease, skin related diseases, lowers blood sugar and even produces antioxidants.

Every Year, during Hornbill Festival, Naga chilli eating competition is held. It gives curious contestant a chance to experience the fire burst of Naga Chilli.

Wood Carvings of Arunachal Pradesh

Besides, the Cane and Bamboo craft of Arunachal Pradesh, the Wood carving is famous. Beautiful utensils, ceremonial masks and religious carvings are made from wood.

Collection of Unique Products of Spotlight North East on Amazon  

ASSAM

The culture and tradition of Assam are known the world over. Assam has maintained a range of traditional crafts for centuries.

Many common indigenous works are popular. To list, some are

• Bamboo and Cane Craft
• Water Hyacinth Craft
• Silk and Cotton Weaving
• Brass Craft
• Wood Carving

Muga Silk was given the GI tag for its durability. It is marked with glossy texture and a golden yellow tint.

Unique Collections from Assam on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Mekhla Chador
• Assam Tea
• Bamboo Craft
• Bamboo Furniture

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of beautiful handicrafts. There is a burst of colors and textures when it comes to Arunachal Pradesh. The main handicraft is cane work. 

Other crafts include Carpet Weaving, Wood Carving that includes exquisite wooden masks. The Tudung jackets, the shawls of Sherdukpens, the Apatani jackets and scarves, the Manpa and Wancho bags are all very beautiful. 

Crafting ornaments is another widely practiced craft of Arunachal Pradesh. Papermaking, smithy work, carpentry, pottery and ivory work are the other crafts of this State.

Unique Collections from Arunachal Pradesh on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Wrap Skirts
• Brass Jewellery
• Bamboo Furniture
• Carpets

MANIPUR

Manipur’s art and craft is a mixture of rich artistic, cultural patterns and ancient traditions.

The Manipuri women are hard-working and expert weavers. They weave beautiful cotton and silk. The style of weaving is unique and widely recognized. Some of them are also GI tagged for their unique design and fabric used

Manipur is the biggest producer of bamboo crafts. To list, some bamboo crafts are.

•  Baskets
•  Stools 
• Tabu
• Liphan
• Phiruk

Manipur pottery is crafted without a potter’s wheel. They produce an unbelievable range of earthenware. 

Beautiful pieces of art made out of cane are also an important part of handicraft. Manipuri dolls and a host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of timber

Unique Collections from Manipur on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Bamboo Mats
• Wood Crafts
• Statues and Idols
• Cooking Essentials

MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya is known for its cane and bamboo works, wood carving and artistic weaving. There are many tribes and some of the main tribes are Jaintais, Khasis and Garos. Their skilled artworks are unique and are intricately made.

One of the biggest assets and art of Meghalaya is Larnai clay pottery. To make this pottery, two types of clay are mixed, then pounded and moulded. After that its is sundried.

Unique Collections from Meghalaya on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Bamboo flutes
• Pine Cone Decor
• Bamboo Handicrafts
• Wood Carving

MIZORAM

Mizoram is unique in its own way of artistic and cultural boundaries. There are almost 16 major and minor tribes in Mizoram. These diverse tribes and traditions have produced a diverse variety of art and craftworks.

Handlooms are used in Mizoram to make clothing and cloth handicrafts. The local products are fused with other materials to give them fashionable and stylish designs.

The people of Mizoram are fond of colorful hand woven wrap-around skirts called puan chei, and a matching beautiful top called Kawr chei. 

A multi colour traditional bag of Mizoram called Khiang kawi. This bag is creatively knitted out of bright colored wools. It is given as a welcome gift.

A typical blanket of Mizoram known as Pawnpui is also made by hand.

Basket weaving is also common in Mizoram. Baskets known as Em, are used and Thlangra – a plate for cleaning rice etc. are made from bamboo.

Unique Collections from Mizoram on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Bamboo and Cane Craft
• Wool Shawls
• Block Print Sarees
• Block Print Bed Sheets

NAGALAND

Nagaland is famous for its handicraft of the indigenous tribes. Women of Nagaland are excellent weavers. They carve beautiful designs on bamboo and weave colorful shawls. 

The people also conically carrying make baskets called Akhi and Akha. The Chakhesang and Angami baskets are so closely woven that they are practically watertight. 

Not only there is Chakhesang baskets, but also Chakhesang Shawls. These Shawls are unique for their design, material used and type of wearing.

The Konyak tribe of Nagaland is famous for wood carving. They also make striking jewelry and pottery.

Unique Collections from Nagaland on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Bamboo Mugs and Cutlery.
• Bamboo Mats and Curtains.
• Shawals and Stoles.
• Beaded Jewellery.

SIKKIM

Sikkim is a famous tourist place due to its charming beauty and scenery. Apart from this, it is also known for its traditional and intricate crafts. Sikkim’s cultural history is visible from its quality craftworks.

The traditional cottage art and real Sikkimese design are world-famous. Some of its famous works are choktse table and woven carpets.

Sikkim is best renowned for its woven woolen carpets with conventional Sikkimese motifs.

Thangka Painting is famous for its artistic value. It is generally spiritual in nature because the subject of painting involves the life of Buddha and his teachings.

Unique Collections from Arunachal Pradesh on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Thangka Paintings
• Singing Bowls
• Carpets
• Traditional Jewellery.

TRIPURA

The art and craft of Tripura are known for its diverse and unparalleled traditions. To list some of them are.

• Basketry
• Sculpting
• Wood Carving
• Cane and Bamboo Work.

Tripura is famous for cane and bamboo work, specially sitalpati (flimsy and cool mats). Lasingphee or quilted cotton material is woven in fly shuttle looms in Tripura. Shawls, Spreads and Coverlets are made from Lasingphee .

Unique Collections from Tripura on Amazon’s Spotlight North East

• Bamboo Mats and Table Runner
• Traditional Room Divider and Partitions.
• Flavours of Jampuri Hills
• Tripura’s Traditional Sarees

Conclusion

Amazon has done great work in launching the Spotlight North East storefront on its platform. In the coming years, you can buy all the local products of North East India with a click. In coming posts, I will be giving reviews of all the products of Spotlight North East, you can buy on Amazon. So, keep visiting my blog.