The Tourism Ministry of the Delhi government organized a two-day cultural event celebrating the heritage of Northeast India. The event, in collaboration with the Northeast Cultural Centre Institute, took place at Central Park, Connaught Place, on December 16-17, 2023. The festival showcased traditional music and dance forms from all Northeastern states, providing a rare treat for the residents of Delhi. In addition to promoting folk traditions, each day concluded with a modern touch featuring performances by rock and fusion bands.
The Northeast region of India beautifully encapsulates the diversity and uniqueness contributing to India’s cultural richness. When it comes to music, the Northeastern region is known for its abundance of talent. Through this program, the Kejriwal-led government of Delhi ensured that the capital’s diverse population came together to learn about and appreciate the incredible cultural heritage of its cooperative states.
As anticipated, a large number of Delhiites actively participated in the festival, enjoying performances that are not commonly seen in the city, and that too, free of charge.
The Delhi government is actively working to promote tourism through art and culture. Cultural events like these serve as a splendid means of fostering connection and unity between the diverse cultures of different states, especially in the capital city of Delhi.
Reaching the Youth with India’s Art and Culture
Addressing the participants of the program, Tourism Minister Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed immense joy at the Delhi government’s initiative to organize a cultural event for our brothers and sisters from Northeast India. He remarked, “It was heartening to see the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of brothers and sisters from Northeast India in the program. The Delhi government is considering making this program an annual event, ensuring that it continues to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India. Efforts will be made to attract an even larger audience in the future.”
Contribution of North-eastern Indians to Delhi’s Economic Development
Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted the significant contribution of our brothers and sisters from Northeast India to Delhi’s economy. He emphasized that individuals from Northeast India are making substantial contributions across various sectors in Delhi. Today, people from Northeast India are actively involved in the fields of healthcare, tourism, and various other sectors, playing a crucial role in advancing Delhi’s economy. Minister Bhardwaj mentioned the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of our companions from Northeast India, who are actively contributing to the economic progress and development of Delhi.
Misconceptions are dispelled through Understanding Culture
Addressing the participants of the program, Minister Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj reassured the attendees, stating that the Delhi government intends to show respect to our brothers and sisters from North India. He acknowledged the grievances often expressed by our counterparts from North India about a lack of respect and improper behavior from the people of Delhi. Minister Bhardwaj mentioned, “Through this program, the Kejriwal-led government is striving to ensure that our colleagues from North India receive the respect they deserve. Simultaneously, the program aims to bring the culture of North India to the people of Delhi and the entire nation. Understanding, witnessing, and knowing about a culture helps dispel many misconceptions, fostering mutual goodwill and love. Through this program, the effort is not only to familiarize Delhi but also people across the nation with the art and culture of North India.
The Delhi Tourism Minister highlighted the Delhi government’s endeavor to present the art and culture of various states to the entire nation. The objective is to showcase the art and culture of different states, fostering understanding, respect and enhanced camaraderie among people from diverse regions. He informed that in the coming times, the Delhi government plans to organize more such cultural programs, celebrating the diversity of cultures and traditions from different states. Minister Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed that through these programs, the aim is to bring Indian art and culture to the younger generation, ensuring that our youth takes forward the rich cultural heritage of our country.
The list of performances from this two-day program is as follows:
Performances on the First Day of the Program:
A. Folk Dance:
i) Rikampada from Arunachal Pradesh by Tai Sing Kapte
ii). Bihu Dance from Assam by Hiren Nath
iii). Laai Haroba from Manipur by M. R. Devi
iv). Wangala from Meghalaya by Manika R Marak | Duration: 10 minutes
B. Musical Band: “Divine Connection” – A rock band from Nagaland.
Choreography Folk Dance Presentation:
C. “Colors of Northeast India” | Duration: 45 minutes
Performances on the Second Day of the Program:
A. Individual Folk Dance Presentations from Four States:
i). Chheih Lam and Zarethui Vengnuoi Cheraw from Mizoram
ii). Nzanta from Nagaland Ovungbeni Ovung
iii). Tamang Selo from Sikkim by Purna Rai
iv). Hojagiri from Tripura by Debashish Riyaang
B. Musical Band from Assam: “6 Strings”
C. Choreography Folk Dance Presentation: “Colors of Northeast India”
