'Insurgence to Resurgence': NEF second edition's theme

The North East Festival (NEF) is back with the second edition. Starting Nov 7, the four-day fest's theme is Insurgence to Resurgence.

"At a time when many incidents of racial discrimination against northeast people in Delhi have made headlines, North East Festival will be aimed at showcasing the unique culture of northeast and to attract tourism and investment," NEF's organiser-in-chief Shyamkanu Mahanta told IANS.

For the second edition the northeast community comprising student organisations, activists etc. have joined hands with the Socio-Cultural Trust Trend MMS to organise the NEF with support from IGNCA, he added.

He also said that this year, it would be "much bigger" and the carnival will comprise dance performances from the region's eight states - Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim; Sangeet Natak Academy.

Around 20 musical bands will take the stage on all four days.

There will be ethnic food stalls, fashion show, photography and art exhibitions, traditional sports, film festival to promote budding filmmakers of the region.

"This year, northeast ethnic handloom and handicraft, agriculture products will be exhibited and sold," said Mahanta.

"Parallel discussions are being organised on various issues like agriculture and food processing, potential for BPO industry in northeast region, investment opportunities, issues and concerns of northeast people in Delhi etc," he added.