Cultural extravaganza marks beginning of Delhi Northeast Festival

New Delhi, [India], Nov.4 (ANI): The North East Festival has begun in New Delhi. It started off with a roaring performance by popular singer Zubeen Garg.

Earlier, the Northeast Rock Battle set the stage for an exhilarating musical experience.
 
The rock battle competition will continue throughout the festival with the finale scheduled to happen on Sunday.  The evening turned haute couture when designers and models from the regions displayed their colourful, chic and charismatic fabrics from the region.     
 
During a B2B Tourism Meet, there was an encouraging discussion on the potential of tourism in the region attended by many thought leaders of the sector.

Representatives from Ministry of DoNER, North East Tourism Development Council (NETDC) and many others deliberated about ways and means to push the scope of business of tourism in the region.
 
Speaking to an engrossed audience, J.S.Pradhan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, said,“The government of India is committed towards inspiring business in tourism in the region. In continuance with this commitment, we are working to get all heads of the states of ASEAN countries on one single platform to discuss and create a tourism business proposition for this region.”
 
More than 30 tour operators from the North East interacted with India’s top tour operators about the various tourist attractions that the region offers. North East Icons Papon and Anshu Jamsempa were also present at the tourism meet and invited people to visit North East India. Papon emphasised on clean air, clean water and noise free homestays in North East and said that the region is completely peaceful now and ready to welcome tourists.
 
Among many other events that happened during the day, many dance troupes performed throughout the day at the pristine open amphitheatre.  All these troupes performed more than 30 exotic dance forms like Bamboo Dance from Mizoram, Hojagiri from Tripura, Wangala dance from Meghalaya etc
 
 As a special attraction, there was a MukhaBhaona from SamuguriSattra in Majuli, Assam that mesmerized the audience.
With support from NEHHDC (North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation), a Buyers-Sellers Meet and Design weekend is being organized, showcasing the top designs of North East to be presented by beautiful North Eastern models and celebrity showstoppers.
 
North East is famous for its organic fruits and vegetables. With support from NERAMAC (North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation), an Organic hub was presented various organic products of the region including food processing products.  
 
North East Festival has helped in creating North Eastern food brands, and many new restaurants have emerged from the Festival. This year also around 30 stalls will present delectable North Eastern cuisines for a mouthwatering experience.
 
An exhibition of North Eastern films, an Exhibition of Art and Photography, Graphiti, Doodle Art is also an interesting platform for the young artistes of the region who showcased their works.
 
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 organizes the famous Rongali Festival of Assam and Colours of North East in Mumbai. (ANI)