"Roots" Music Festival in northeast India

By L.C.K. Singh

Imphal, May 6 : Various leading musical groups and pop stars have made a confluence in the northeast region of the country for the popular Roots festival, as it organises its 6th edition here in the vastly music loving region of India.

Having started its musical journey recently in Imphal at the Hapata Kangjebung, Palace Compound, the Roots festival is presently being held in Dimapur (Nagaland) and will have Assam's Dithu area as its next venue. After Dithu, the celebrations of Roots festival will cover other parts of the northeastern States during its 21-day journey.

The musical extravaganza is showcasing some of the leading bands across the region and from abroad entertaining the people with their music. At least 37 singers including singers from the United Kingdom, Israel and different parts of the northeast are participating this year in the ongoing festival.

For international artistes, the experience of coming to India is in itself quite enriching and overwhelming.

"It is great to be here. It is first time I am in India and I'm absolutely speechless. It is an incredible place and I hope to give something back," said Dan Saunders from England.

Thousands of music lovers, meanwhile, turned up on the first day here to have a thoroughly gala time with music breathing in every heart and soul during the musical extravaganza.

"This is really giving me a chance to relax and make me feel good about it. The music concerts like this make you feel great and make you forget about things going on around the place," said Queenthali Thokchom, an audience.

The music festival is organized on a high scale to offer a common platform for international, national and regional artistes.

This time the musical tour will include the performances of original music by Dub LFO from Israel, Too Late Lucy from England, Warklung from Diphu of Assam and Guru Reuben Mashangba from Ukhrul district of Manipur among other notable artistes. he tour is being presented by Brylcream, The Musicians Store, and Spring Board Surprises of Shillong.

Manipur Tourism Department and the Folk Art and Cultural Guild are jointly hosting the Imphal leg of the Roots festival in the northeast region. rganised in 2003 for the first time by Spring Board Surprises at Shillong in 2003 on a small scale, the Roots festival's popularity has soared over the years, especially in the northeast States of the country.

Today, the Roots festival is the most awaited musical event in this part of the country, particularly due to the participation of increasing number of international and regional artistes.

The festival aims to spread the message of peace and brotherhood among people and inspire youngsters to contribute their talent to the promotion of their culture, said founder and CEO of Spring Board Surprises Keith Wallang.

The musical tour will conclude in Shillong (Meghalaya) on May 28th.

ANI