The three-day North East Festival which tries to promote talents and culture of NE region of India concluded at IGNCA New Delhi. on Nov. 5.
A press release from the organisers stated that since 2013 a group of young and dynamic people and NE communities are trying to bring the NE closer to the mainland India through North East Festival.
The North East Festival this year has been a collaborative attempt of IGNCA, NEHHDC, various Governments of North Eastern States and driven by well-known Socio Cultural Trust, Trend MMS which also organises the famous Rongali Festival of Assam and Colours of North East in Mumbai.
North East Festival’s Brand Ambassador and an icon from NE Anshu Jamsenpa was present in the festival in all three days and was trying to promote tourism and culture of North East. Needless to say, being a world record holder and 5-times Mt. Everest SummiterAnshu is known to most of the people present in the festival. She attended a tourism B2B meet and invited people to visit North East as the region is ready for tourists. Anshu walked the ramp in the fashion show to promote NE fashion too.
The rock battle finale marked the beginning of the final day. The previous days witnessed semi-final rounds of the battle with 10 bands performing each day, with band Knight Shades of Delhi winning the battle and a cash prize of 50k on the third day.
500 year old Ankia Bhaona Ram Bijoy performed by Natun Kamalabari Sattra of Majuli enthralled the audience in the afternoon at the amphitheatre. The festival showcased the food, fun and fashion of the India’s North East along with dazzling performances by singers like Zubeen Garg, Papon, Girish & the Chronicle, Alobo Naga & Borkung Hrangkhawl, Jeli Kayi and plenty more, for three days.
Amidst the colorful ambience with a touch of north eastern elements, the SPUNER (Special Police Unit for North East Region) branch of Delhi police graced the festival with its presence. Delhi police organised a quiz competition which drew large participants from non NER people.
The fifth edition presented approximately 30 folk dance forms and a separate stage just to showcase the folk and fashion of the north eastern region wherein with support of DC Handloom, Govt of India, NEHHDC presented around 20 designers showcasing handloom products. Many Export houses and agents interacted with designers. Another attempt to portray the different culture and dance forms was made via dance performances by traditional dance troops.
The festival was one of its kind in terms of cuisine to provide mouthwatering experience, fashion, dance forms and musical talents to jazz up the weekend in a perfect way. It was a platform to approximately 150 local weavers and artisans to spread textile magic and top designs of the states.
Iconic Zubeen Garg who revolutionised Assamese flim and music industry, world record holder everester Anshu Jemsanpa, celebrity bollywood designer Asa Kazingmei, well known entrepreneur Basant Khetanwere awarded for their outstanding contribution for the region.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organiser said, “The main focus was tourism. A tourism B2B meet organised during the festival was attended by 60 top tour operators who interacted with NE counterparts, ministry of Tourism, DoNER, NETDC for promoting tourism in the region.
Rockstar Papon highlighted why North East with clean air and hospitable people and improved connectivity is the next best destination in India.”
EMN
