Staff Reporter
Dimapur, January 9
One of the largest festivals organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, since 2012 ‘Maati Ke Rang’ is all set to be witnessed by Nagaland this January.
The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) is hosting the 3rd edition of the national cultural festival, ‘Maati Ke Rang,’ from January 13-17 at NEZCC Complex Diphupar Village Dimapur. With the theme, ‘Celebrating the colorful cultural heritage of India’, the festival aims to bring together India’s cultural diversity on one platform, aspiring towards national integration through art forms that bind the region together.
Briefing media persons today at NEZCC Complex Dimapur, Director Lipokmar Tzudir highlighted that this year’s edition will see around 36 international performing artists from Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh to foster higher forms of friendship through the bonds of culture.
The previous editions which were hosted in Panchkula, Haryana in 2012 and in Nagpur, Maharashtra in 2013 received overwhelming response, so the Government of India expects the same from host Nagaland remarked NEZCC Director Lipokmar Tzudir.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Culture initially had chosen Shillong, Meghalaya to be the host for the festival last year but due to location concern the idea was dropped. Fortunate enough, Nagaland is all set to play the host and this is the first time that such an event will be held in the North East of India.
The cultural extravaganza will see more than 600 artistes from all over India perform at the NEZCC complex in Dimapur. ‘Maati Ke Rang’ provides a unique platform for young and old people of India to come together and share this message with each other.
At the venue, thematic pavilions (Aangans) will showcase the various regions and people of India who will exhibit their arts and crafts, dance and music. A national crafts exhibition and Food Mela will be a permanent feature over the five days, alongside a painting, sculpture and Buddhist Exhibition. North East Artifacts Exhibition will feature some of the best from this region.
Ethnic shows aside, the national, international and local audience will have the delight to see bands from Nagaland (We The Giants, Alobo Naga & The Band, AIo Wanth and Tali Angh) perform from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm every day from January 14 – 17 and on January 16 Indian Idol finalist and popular singers Amit Paul and Charu Semwal will enthrall the audience from 6 to 8 pm.
Highlights of this year’s edition include a mini marathon run for a “clean and healthy India” to kick off at 6 am on January 13 from the ADC Court Junction which will end at the NEZCC Complex. Arranged by Anytime Fitness Dimapur the Marathon race will feature as part of the Swacch Bharat Campaign.
The Children’s Carnival for age group of 6-15 years will be held at its complex from January 14 to 17 from 11 am-1 pm daily with activities like fancy Dress Competition, Dance Competition (Free Style), Painting/Drawing Competition and Solo Singing Competition.
Participation of the artistes from the country will be facilitated by the seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCC). Adding as a treat for visitors, the entry for all events is free.
The event is being managed by Art Entertainment from Guwahati, Assam and with preparations on full swing for the festival; artists can be seen painstakingly crafting their respective pavilion in their own creative style and theme giving the venue a magnificent look.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) under Ministry of Culture, Government of India Dr. Mahesh Sharma will grace the inaugural programme as the chief guest and Governor of Nagaland P.B.Acharya will be the chief guest for the closing ceremony.
‘Maati Ke Rang’ 2015 seeks to reach a higher level of cultural harmony by showcasing the distinctive knowledge the peoples of South Asia bring to their lived spaces. Social cohesion would be an inevitable outcome. For more information on the festival one can contact ‘Maati Ke Rang’ Public Relations Officer Aheli Moita at 9436885797.
