Large Crowds turn out for Second Day of NE Fest in Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 8, 2014: The second day of the North East Festival in the national capital saw a larger turnout on Saturday.

Fashion Parade. Pic: Bruce K. Thangkhal

Held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in Janpath, the cultural carnival continued in full swing, drawing crowds to food stalls representing various northeastern states. Visitors eagerly sampled ethnic dishes and explored stalls showcasing traditional clothing, handicrafts, and vegetables unique to the Northeast.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, especially during the Day Carnival, where Mizo pop sensation Fiona Pachhuau, a young star and Delhi University student, wowed the audience with her melodious performance. Known for her popularity among the youth in Mizoram, Fiona captivated the crowd with her stunning stage presence.

Another band, Foot Wings, also captured the audience’s attention with their electrifying performance, leaving listeners spellbound. Adding to the musical lineup were Minutes of Decay, a trio of sisters from Manipur, whose mesmerizing and elegant performance drew praise from all in attendance.

Earlier in the day, a film festival aimed at promoting Northeast cinema was held at the IGNCA Media Centre, attracting many attendees. The event marked the start of the day’s activities.

A discussion session followed, covering key topics such as the agro-food processing sector in the Northeast, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities, and the region's potential in IT & ITES. Experts and officials led these discussions at the IGNCA Conference Hall.

The festival’s cultural highlights included performances of Mizo’s Cheraw Lam (Bamboo Dance), a world-record dance, and the Kuki dance, featuring various Kuki sub-tribes. Spectators were captivated by the dancers' traditional costumes and graceful movements.

The evening concluded with a cultural and fashion show, where designers from all eight northeastern states displayed their talents. Models showcased the region's traditional and contemporary attires on the runway. SK Panda, IAS, Secretary of Textiles, Government of India, attended as the chief guest.

Renowned performers like Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, Naga folk music pioneer Guru Reuben Masangva, the Tetseo Sisters, and Asangla Jamir, a music teacher at DPS Sonepat, enthralled the large crowd.

Celebrities from the Northeast, including Mr. Universe Mahadev Deka, a cancer survivor and bodybuilder, Shiva Thapa, the youngest Indian boxer to win gold at the Asian Games, and Rajni Basumatary, who portrayed MC Mary Kom's mother in the 2014 biopic Mary Kom, added star power to the evening.

The four-day carnival is expected to attract even more visitors on Sunday, with the event set to conclude on Monday.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

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