The North East Festival gears up for its 11th edition, promising a vibrant showcase of the region’s rich culture, delectable cuisine, and artistic prowess. Scheduled to take place from December 22 to 24 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (gate no 14), New Delhi, the festival anticipates drawing a diverse audience eager to immerse themselves in the festivities.
This year’s edition promises an exciting lineup of events celebrating the beauty, diversity, and integrity of North East India. Highlights include a Christmas special bazaar featuring Northeastern crafts and Delhi’s bakery stalls, an enticing array of authentic Northeastern cuisine, and a dynamic lineup of cultural events. With 300 folk artists, a Meitei martial arts showcase, a doodle art masterclass by renowned artist Santanu Hazarika, and a North East Rock Battle, the festival is set to be a cultural extravaganza.
Musical performances will feature artists spanning various genres, including Girish and The Chronicles, Zubeen Garg, Papon, Shruti Haasan, and DJ sets by renowned DJs from the region. A poignant tribute to the late playback singer KK, featuring his band and popular singers, will add a touching moment to the festival.
Fashion enthusiasts can anticipate local designers showcasing the rich textile heritage of the region. The exhibition arena will host over 100 MSME entrepreneurs presenting ‘Made in North East’ products, creating a marketplace for authentic items. With 150 stalls, the exhibition aims to promote agri-horti products, handloom, handicrafts, and processed food. Tourism stalls will encourage visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the North East.
Beyond being a celebration, the North East Festival aims to foster cross-cultural awareness, encourage economic prosperity, and promote unity. As the festival unfolds, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on both attendees and the North Eastern region’s cultural landscape.
The event’s inauguration will be graced by Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs, and will witness the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER); Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports; Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Ministry of Ayush; Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, among others. The festival, an annual celebration since 2013, has played a pivotal role in boosting tourism in the North Eastern states.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organiser of the North East Festival, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Delhi holds a special place in our hearts, and the city’s warmth has always been overwhelming. The North East Festival has evolved into a symbol of identity for the people of the North East.” He highlighted the festival’s role in forging marketing connections for products from the Northeastern states, announcing plans for a tourism B2B meet and a B2B meet for the textile and food processing sector, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and the MSME Ministry, respectively. The festival aims to facilitate meaningful interactions with buyers and showcase products from various sectors.
When: December 22 – 24
Where: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
