The delightful songs and dances of the North East made their way to Mumbai after a great response in Delhi.
Inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, the day-long festival, presented and organised every year by the North Eastern Council and Governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Shillong, showcased the best of North East India when it comes to culture, music, arts and food.
(Credits: MSL Group)
Songs and Dances of North East was conceptualised to promote and bring the diverse heritage of the North East, comprising of its seven states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim to the rest of India.
The festival was held at the CIDCO complex in Vashi on the 27th of August and had one mainstage showcasing cultural dances of all the states from the Oki Soyim of Nagaland to the Erap from Arunachal Pradesh among others. North eastern folk bands and contemporary musical artists including Dolly Das, Lou Majaw, The Vinyl Records performed along with folk fusion by Guru Rewben, Omak Komut Collective and many more. Various stalls displayed the best of handicrafts and textiles from to all the states and tribes. This was also the first time the attendees got a taste of the local cuisine from all eight states.
(Credits: MSL Group)
A perfect way to spend the weekend with the family; the festival attracted audiences who spent a day being enriched by life in the North East.