Northeastern bands performance proves popular in Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 24 (ANI): In a bid to promote their region and its culture several cultural troupes and folk singers from the northeast region recently performed at the Safdar Hashmi Amphitheatre in Jamia Milia Islamia University in New Delhi.

Students of Jamia University had a blast as northeastern bands, which performed at the event, blended contemporary and traditional music.

It was a completely new experience for many students, who had never heard and seen northeastern music maestros perform live in front of them.

The event was a part of the annual University fest and it aimed at spreading awareness about the northeastern region in Delhi.

"Every tribe or community has a unique culture and want to tell the people through this event that we are also very much part of the country and make them understand about us," said Lipokmar Tzudir, a participant from Nagaland.

The famous Bihu dance of Assam, which derives its name from the harvest festival of Bihu, aroused a tremendous response from the audience.

Apart from Bihu, several Manipuri and Sikkimese dances were also performed at the event.

A young Meitei in traditional attire performed the Manipuri Raas at the fest.

Raas festival is associated with the Manipuri culture, where women sing devotional songs and dance around the idol of Lord Krishna as her devotees.

"Such event will definitely bring us together and promote the feeling of oneness, peace and unity. Most people are not aware of seven sisters culture, so this is a right platform from where we can showcase our culture to the people," said Brian Tamang, a participant from Sikkim.

The performers sent across the message about the need for peace and unity in the region, and urged for an end to violence.

"I want to bring peace but I cannot simply bring like that, but through my music I can tell them about peace because music comes from our heart," said Rewben Mashangva, a naga folk musician.

"I want to give a message to the people of northeast that there should be more harmony and unity so that people will aware about us where we belong, where are we from," said Philip, a member of Canvas Band.

Through such endeavors, youth from the northeast are now gaining recognition and popularity, Jeetumoni Kalita of Assam and Tetseo Sisters of Nagaland are one of the examples, who are well known across the country. (ANI)