In 2017, President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Namami Brahmaputra river festival in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about a cultural and tourism festival linked to a major river in India. The Namami Brahmaputra festival was launched to celebrate the heritage, culture and economic importance of the Brahmaputra river. President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the festival, and the question asks in which state this event took place.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The name of the festival is Namami Brahmaputra, indicating a link to the Brahmaputra river.
• The inauguration took place in 2017.
• The president at that time was Pranab Mukherjee.
• The options list several states from the northeastern and eastern region of India.

Concept / Approach:
The Brahmaputra river flows prominently through Assam, where it forms a central feature of geography, transport, culture and agriculture. The Namami Brahmaputra festival was a flagship event of the Assam government to promote tourism and showcase the river. Therefore the correct answer is the state of Assam, not neighbouring states that also have portions of the Brahmaputra basin.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the name Namami Brahmaputra directly refers to the Brahmaputra river. Step 2: Recall that Assam is the state most closely associated with the Brahmaputra, which flows across its length and passes through its capital region. Step 3: Remember that the Assam government organised a large scale river festival named Namami Brahmaputra, inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee. Step 4: Select Assam from the options as the state where the festival took place.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports and official state government releases of the time clearly describe Namami Brahmaputra as a festival organised in Assam, particularly along the riverfront in Guwahati and other locations. Photographs and videos from the inauguration show the president attending functions in Assam. There is no record of such a festival being hosted by Odisha, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh or Meghalaya under this specific name.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Arunachal Pradesh: Although the Brahmaputra, known locally by different names, flows through parts of this state, the named festival was not organised there. Odisha: Odisha has its own festivals linked to rivers like the Mahanadi and special coastal events, not Namami Brahmaputra. Tripura: This small northeastern state does not host a festival under this name related to the Brahmaputra. Meghalaya: While geographically near the Brahmaputra valley, it was not the organiser of this particular event.

Common Pitfalls:
Some examinees confuse festivals and river names in the northeastern region and may guess a neighbouring state. Others may not remember whether the event was central government or state government led and therefore hesitate between options. A useful memory aid is to connect Namami Brahmaputra directly with Assam, just as Namami Gange is associated with the Ganga basin.

Final Answer:
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Namami Brahmaputra river festival in the state of Assam.