Meghalaya govt to host North East festival

In a bid to bring North-eastern India closer to the rest of the country, a day-long Northeast festival, featuring food, costumes, music and dance among other features is being organised at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on April 11 here.
Hosted by the Meghalaya government and sponsored by the North East Council, the festival titled "Songs and Dances of the North-East" is scheduled to be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee, organisers said here today.
Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya along with members of North East Council and other dignitaries will also be present at the occasion .
"The purpose of the festival is to connect the unique way of life of North eastern people with the rest of the country," M War Nongbri, Director Art and Culture, Meghalaya government said.

Failing to encompass the vast North-East culture in a day's time, Nongbri said, they settled to focus on the music and dances of the region in this first edition of the festival.
"North East is known for its diverse music, richness of cultures, colours of traditions and the sweet melodies of folklores," Nongbri said.

Both budding and eminent bands and artistes from across the eight states will showcase their rich, vibrant, cultural ethnicity and diversity through an array of music and dance performances.
Among the popular names are bands like Shillong Chamber Choir (Meghalaya), Imphal talkies (Aizawl), Tetseo Sisters (Nagaland) and the acclaimed "Indian Idol" winner Amit Paul.

Extending a warm welcome to the rest of India to visit Nort-East, Nongri said they hope that the festival will also act as a catalyst to take up important issues associated with the region.