MUMBAI: After an outstanding edition in Delhi, Songs & Dances of North East made its way into the hearts of Mumbai today. The day long festival, presented by the North Eastern Council and Government of Arunachal Pradesh, showcased the best that Northeast India has to offer in terms of culture, music, arts and food.

North East India, commonly known as the ‘Seven Sisters and One Brother’ comprises of eight states- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Each state is unique and culturally rich in its own way. A tourist heaven, the diversity of people, culture, and spectacular landscapes of North East has fascinated many for a long time. Till recently, travel to the region was difficult, but now features in the bucket list of every ardent traveller.

The Songs & Dances of North East Festival was conceptualised to bring the diverse heritage of North East to the rest of India. The festival brought together the best of music, dance, handicrafts and food to CIDCO complex in Vashi, Navi Mumbai on 27 August 2016.

The festival had one mainstage showcasing cultural dances like the elegant Laiharabo of the Meiteis of Manipur, the colourful Cham from Sikkim, Hojaigiri of the Reangs from Tripura, beautiful Bagurumba dance of Bodo, Assam, and the war dance, Erap, of the Galo tribe, Arunachal Pradesh. Top northeast folk bands like Dolly Das, Mangka, Sofiyum, and contemporary musical artists including Lou Majaw and The Vinyl Records and the brilliant folk fusion of Guru Rewben, Omak Komut Collective, Koloma among others. The stalls displayed the best of Northeast handicrafts, textiles according to state and tribe. This was also the first time Mumbaiites got a chance to experience the unique cuisine from the eight states.

Commenting on the Songs & Dances of North East in Mumbai, Dr Joram Bedaa, IAS (Secretary, Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh) said, “The festival is very unique, being the first time that all the eight states from the North East were represented on a common platform and on such a large scale. We discovered that while many people are intrigued by our diverse and rich culture, there were hardly any platforms or avenues where they could experience it. The Songs & Dances of North East festival was conceptualised keeping the same in mind. I personally believe the festival will help people from the city connect with the North East culture, and make them curious about travelling to the region.”

Karma Leki (Director, Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh) added, “We left no stone unturned to ensure that the ‘Songs & Dances of North East’ festival is a success. Instead of just focussing on one aspect of North East culture, we wanted to bring together music, dance, food, handicrafts and textiles from not only the eight states, but also the different tribes who have a rich history to share.”

This holistic festival made for a perfect way to spend the weekend. It saw family and friends come and experience the North East way of life.