SHILLONG: Harshit Dhingaun, Founder of Delhi Fashion Week and Chairman of Delhi Fashion Club, met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma following an international initiative to showcase the state’s indigenous Ryndia (Eri) silk, handloom heritage and tourism in Russia.

The initiative was undertaken through International Reinvent Northeast Season 9, in collaboration with the 31st Admiralty Needle International Fashion, Art and Design Festival held in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Organised by Delhi Fashion Club, the programme marked an important step in bringing Northeast India’s traditional textiles, fashion and cultural heritage to an international audience.

As International Fashion Director for the Delhi Fashion Week segment, Dhingaun led the Indian fashion presentation at the prestigious festival, providing a platform for Indian designers and indigenous craftsmanship from the Northeast.

The Indian presentation featured Manipur-based designer Lairenlakpam Lily Chanu, founder of Shiroi Lily Closet. Her collection, titled Threads of Manipur – A Legacy of Heritage & Elegance, highlighted Manipur’s traditional handloom, cultural identity and the iconic Shiroi Lily.

A key highlight was an international masterclass delivered by Dhingaun at St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design. Titled India: The Land of Diversity – Ryndia, The Fabric of Peace, the session introduced students and international fashion professionals to Meghalaya’s indigenous Ryndia silk, its traditional weaving techniques and cultural significance.

The initiative also sought to create opportunities for future cultural, fashion and tourism collaborations between India and Russia while giving greater international exposure to Meghalaya’s textile heritage.

A Decade of Promoting Northeast India

Dhingaun has been involved in promoting the culture, heritage and tourism of Northeast India for the past 10 years, with a particular focus on Meghalaya for more than five years.

Through Delhi Fashion Club’s flagship platform, Delhi Fashion Week, he has showcased Meghalaya’s traditional textiles on two occasions during Season 1 and Season 2, helping bring the state’s indigenous craftsmanship and handloom traditions to a wider national audience.

His efforts have also extended to digital media through his YouTube platform, The VOY – Voice of Youth, which has been promoting Meghalaya’s culture, tourism and traditions for the past five years.

His ground-level coverage includes several important cultural festivals representing the state’s diverse communities, including the Garo community’s Wangala Festival, popularly known as the 1000 Drums Festival; the Khasi community’s Shad Suk Mynsiem; the Jaintia community’s Behdienkhlam Festival; and a conference of the Koch community in Meghalaya.

Wangala Festival Promotion Planned for 2027

Looking ahead, Dhingaun intends to further expand Meghalaya’s cultural and tourism outreach through fashion, digital media and international collaborations.

One of his proposed initiatives for 2027 is a dedicated digital campaign promoting the Wangala Festival in Tura, Garo Hills, through his YouTube platform, The VOY – Voice of Youth.

The proposed campaign aims to introduce the festival’s distinctive traditions, Garo cultural heritage, music, dance, indigenous lifestyle and tourism potential to national and international audiences.

He is also exploring opportunities for future fashion events and cultural presentations through Delhi Fashion Club and Delhi Fashion Week to provide further platforms for Meghalaya’s indigenous textiles, traditional craftsmanship and cultural identity.

Through a decade of engagement with Northeast India and sustained efforts to promote Meghalaya, Dhingaun aims to strengthen cultural connections and bring the state’s heritage and tourism closer to wider national and international audiences.