North East Festival Returns For Its 11th Edition

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere that pervades the capital, the North East Festival prepares to launch its eleventh iteration, offering a dynamic exhibition that highlights the region’s abundant culture, delectable cuisine, and artistic excellence.

The festival, which takes place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (gate no. 14), New Delhi, is slated to attract a wide-ranging spectatorship from December 22nd to 24th.

A multitude of captivating events are scheduled to commemorate the splendor, variety, and authenticity of North East India at this year’s edition. Amidst these events is a vibrant Christmas bazaar that features stalls exhibiting bakeries from Delhi and Northeastern handicrafts. The festival is anticipated to draw a substantial number of attendees due to its authentic Northeastern cuisine.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organiser of the North East Festival, exclaimed with elation, “Delhi has always been an inspiration to us due to its incomparable hospitality and sentimental significance.” The North East Festival has come to represent the identity of the North East’s inhabitants. Establishing marketing connections for products originating from the Northeastern states has been our principal objective. We will serve as the hosts of a B2B meeting for the tourism sector, with the aid of the Ministry of Tourism, and for the textile and food processing industries, with the assistance of the MSME Ministry. These meetings will enable constructive dialogues with purchasers. Prominent entrepreneurs from diverse sectors in the North East have been extended invitations to exhibit their products. Moreover, cultural demonstrations, diversions, an exhibition of our genuine cuisine, and additional activities will augment the celebratory ambiance. We anticipate an even higher volume of visitors for this edition, which will serve as an additional milestone in our voyage.

In addition, the festival is poised to be a cultural extravaganza, boasting a dynamic lineup that includes 300 folk performers, a Meitei martial arts showcase, a doodle art masterclass led by the internationally renowned artist Santanu Hazarika, and a North East Rock Battle.

The musical extravaganza will feature an eclectic collection of performers representing a wide spectrum of genres, including folk, rock, pop, and jazz. Prominent artists in the lineup consist of Girish and The Chronicles, a renowned Indian Nepali rock band originating from Sikkim; Zubeen Garg, the romantic interest of Assam; Papon, a playback vocalist and composer from Bollywood; and Shruti Haasan, an actor-singer from Bollywood, and her alternative rock band. The evenings will be additionally energizing due to the exceptional performances of esteemed DJs hailing from the area. A touching moment that will occur at the festival is a tribute performance of playback vocalist KK’s music. Extremely beloved, KK’s tragic demise had a profound impact on the industry and his devotees.

His ensemble will perform a selection of his timeless compositions in remembrance, along with a lineup of well-known vocalists.

Fashion aficionados can anticipate designers to exhibit indigenous textiles and creations, thereby highlighting the region’s abundant textile legacy. More than one hundred MSME enterprises will showcase ‘Made in North East’ products in the exhibition arena, establishing a marketplace where attendees can peruse and acquire genuine items. The purpose of the exhibition’s 150 exhibits is to market processed foods, agri-horti products, handlooms, and handicrafts. By showcasing both well-known and lesser-known destinations, tourism displays aim to inspire visitors to delve into the varied topography of the North East.

The North East Festival endeavors to foster economic growth, promote unity, and cultivate cross-cultural understanding; it transcends the status of a simple celebration.