Following the resounding success of its second edition in Meghalaya, the Seeti Movement is now preparing to expand its unique cultural immersion format to Arunachal Pradesh. The five-day program, titled Seeti 2.0, concluded on March 31, leaving behind a blueprint for how indigenous food systems, crafts, and landscapes can be projected to a global audience.
Held from March 26 to 31 in and around Shillong, the Meghalaya edition was the result of a year-long curation process. It brought together a “collective powerhouse” of 50 influential voices—including renowned chefs, restaurateurs, creators, and media personalities—with a combined digital footprint reaching tens of millions. Unlike conventional food festivals, Seeti 2.0 focused on “everyday settings,” allowing participants to engage directly with Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo traditions through shared meals and artisan interactions.
Sid Mewara, co-founder of the Seeti Movement, emphasized that the goal was to move beyond just cuisine. “Most food events lose the larger conversation when the focus is only on the plate,” Mewara stated. “We wanted each experience to be rooted in something deeply meaningful that can boost local tourism and the economy.”
The success in Meghalaya has now shifted the spotlight onto Arunachal Pradesh, positioning it as the potential next destination. Arunachal Pradesh, with its large area—from the high mountains of Tawang to the lively Ziro Valley—provides a unique and varied setting for Seeti’s engaging approach. The state’s unique food traditions and indigenous knowledge systems perfectly position organizers to tap into the growing global market for “out-of-the-ordinary” travel experiences.
The impact of the Meghalaya edition is expected to grow exponentially through real-time digital storytelling and an upcoming long-format documentary. The Seeti philosophy centers around this transition from “visitor to advocate,” ensuring the immortalization of Northeast narratives for a global audience.
As the movement looks toward Arunachal, the focus remains on an approach that responds to local contexts rather than replicating a generic model. By bridging the gap between local knowledge and outside perspectives, the Seeti Movement aims to change the national and international perception of what exists in India’s own backyard.
