MUMBAI: Assam's Rongali Festival came to being with an intention to highlight and celebrate the state and culture's artistic attributes that often finds lesser platforms to showcase the talent and the qualities that the rest of the country has only heard of. Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of North-East Festival (held in Delhi), organised and curated Rongali in Assam- one of the seven sister states.

Last year, local talents like Papon and Girish and The Chronicles provided the necessary entertainment for the fans who attended the extravaganza. However, Mahanta wishes to outgrow last year's success and steer the event to the level unparalleled for any. "We plan to make the festival grow bigger. A quick look at our music acts would give you an idea of 'biggest collection of musical talent in one place'. North-East is known for its music," said Mahanta.

The 2016 edition of Rongali festival has an immensely pleasing diverse line-up. Amjad Ali Khan (Classical), Parikrama (Rock), Papon (Folk/pop) and Nucleya (DJ) would perform at the festival spanned across three days (29, 30 and 31 January). Emphasising on the diverse line-up, Mahanta said, "On one hand, you have the biggest sarod musician in the world, North-East's darling Papon, the biggest rock band country ever produced- Parikrama and the biggest DJ of the country today- Nucleya. Trust me. This is just the beginning. Next edition, we are intending to possibly make it the biggest music festival of the country."

The entry for the festival has been kept free-for-all. Assam's popular figure/artist Zubeen Garg assures the strategy would only benefit the festival. "We are expecting around two lakh people throughout the festival (65,000 per day). Certain activities like para-motoring and aero-sports are chargeable, however, the musical acts and dramas are absolutely free for each and all. With the small support from Government, sponsors and media channels from the state, Rongali has grown," expressed Garg.

Mahanta, through his work, ensured the North Eastern culture receives the recognition it deserves from the metropolitan cities, and thus was formed North East Festival in Delhi. However, Mahanta's dream to provide the 'neglected' part of the country its long overdue recognition motivated him into the inception of Rongali festival. "Delhi witnessed some of the finest talents the north-east has to offer. Music is in the blood of north-easterners, so I thought 'Why not do it a place where music is celebrated?" North-East has provided an ideal atmosphere for the artists," said Mahanta.

Rongali Festival focuses on various other activities- sports, arts, adventure- however Mahanta believes music acts as the most influential element in the North East. "There is no doubt that music is the driving force of this festival, and it is evident through the line-up."