Artists across northeast participate in 'The Spring Festival' in Nagaland

Dimapur, Mar 25 (ANI): Folk artists from across India showcased their unique folk cultures through their performances during the five-day long Northeast Spring festival, 2010 held in Dimapur that aimed at strengthening national integration.

Over 350 folk artists from eight northeastern states of India and other states like Orissa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal participated in the second edition of the Northeast spring festival in Nagaland.

The festival was organized by North East Zone Culture Centre (NEZCC) under the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"We are creating a platform, where people from different communities of Northeast can get together and understand one another's cultures and perhaps understand that we are not really different. That should foster communal harmony in the region," said Hekali Zhimomi, Director, NEZCC.

A large number of visitors turned up to witness the grand cultural extravaganza, giving a boost to the business of local traders.

"Very good prosperity and performances. Many customers are also coming from all over Northeast especially from Dimapur. If more good artists come in next two-three days, I will get more money," said Monit Das, a trader.

Choir groups from Mizoram and Nagaland sang melodious songs during the festival.

Amongst other performers, folk fusion king Rewben Mashangva and a national award winner band 'Afflatus' from Shillong, who presented contemporary western music enthralled the audience with their skills. By Peter Chachei (ANI)