Symposium promotes unity through cultural exchange

New Delhi, Mar 27 (ANI): A festival on inter-cultural dialogue between Northeast India and South East Asia was held in New Delhi recently.

The event-helped participants understand and appreciate the cultural commonality and affinity that exists between the northeastern states and participating countries.

The final leg of the month-long festival, which concluded with a four-day symposium-cum-cultural show, was aimed at strengthening ties that India and its South Asian neighbours share.

Organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, New Delhi in association with North East Zone Cultural Centre and Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalashetra, the event was appreciated and liked by visitors, who turned up in sizeable numbers.

"If more such kind of programmes are held, then the feeling of belongingness will continue. And we will feel that they are also a part of India," said Gautam Roy, a visitor.

"Here you will find an ensemble of the whole Northeast states, starting from their folk dances, customs, food, people. We are enjoying," said P. Mukherjee, a visitor.

Other attractions of the event were food stalls of Northeast cuisines, crafts stalls and exhibition of the cultural landscape of the region.

Dance troupes from Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, Java and eight troupes from Northeast states showcased their skills.

Over 150 artistes participated in the festival.

"We are interacting and learning a lot from each other, culturally. We are exchanging our dances, customs and others," said N G Ranjit, an artist from Manipur.

Such events provide an opportunity to people in Delhi to sample the cultural wealth of the Northeast. By Devesh Gupta (ANI)