Finance Minister visits Larnai artisans, Nartiang Monoliths and Maa Jayantee Temple; bats for preserving indigenous crafts and expanding market access
Shillong, June 20: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday immersed herself in Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage, trying her hand at the State’s famed GI-tagged black clay pottery in Larnai village while highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and creating sustainable livelihoods for local artisans.
Glimpses from the visit to Larnai village. https://t.co/E0sNOZ48Nl pic.twitter.com/ue3V1Wyovk
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) June 20, 2026
On the second day of her Meghalaya visit, Sitharaman travelled to Larnai in West Jaintia Hills district, home to the centuries-old Black Clay Pottery tradition that recently earned Geographical Indication (GI) status. The minister interacted with artisans and pottery makers, observing a live demonstration of the craft and even participating in the pottery-making process herself.
Some more glimpses from the visit to Larnai village. https://t.co/E0sNOZ48Nl pic.twitter.com/VVBVFyHfez
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) June 20, 2026
Guided by local artisans, Sitharaman moulded clay and witnessed the painstaking stages of production—from clay preparation and hand-moulding to engraving—gaining first-hand experience of the skill and precision behind the distinctive black-finished pottery.
Calling traditional crafts valuable cultural assets, she praised the artisan community for keeping alive a unique legacy while contributing to local livelihoods. The artisans, in turn, shared challenges and opportunities in sustaining the craft, particularly the need for wider market access and greater visibility for their products.
The visit underscored the Centre’s focus on promoting indigenous knowledge systems and rural entrepreneurship, especially through GI-tagged products that reflect local identity and heritage.
Earlier in the day, Sitharaman offered prayers at the historic Shri Maa Jayantee Temple, believed to be over 600 years old and revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is among Meghalaya’s most significant spiritual landmarks and attracts devotees from across the country.
Smt @nsitharaman visited Shri Maa Jayantee Temple, in Nartiang, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya and offered prayers.
The temple, believed to be over 600 years old, is widely recognised as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and reflects Meghalaya’s rich spiritual, cultural and… pic.twitter.com/ksdEwYavNf
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) June 20, 2026
She later toured the renowned Nartiang Monoliths, one of the largest megalithic heritage complexes in the Northeast and a lasting symbol of the erstwhile Jaintia Kingdom.
At the heritage site, the Finance Minister visited an exhibition showcasing Meghalaya’s growing portfolio of GI-tagged products, including Khasi Mandarin, Memong Narang, Lakadong Turmeric, Garo Textile, Larnai Black Clay Pottery and Meghalaya Chubitchi. She interacted with farmers, weavers, artisans and producer groups, learning about traditional production methods and the increasing market demand for the products.
Officials briefed Sitharaman on the historical significance of the Nartiang Monoliths, which stand as enduring reminders of Jaintia history, social customs and architectural traditions.
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