A soiree of northeast art, culture, delicacies in Delhi

'Purvottari', a festival celebrating the music and culture of the eight North-eastern states, opened yesterday in the national capital with extravagant performances.

The vibrancy of the northeast as expressed through its culture, music and movement is the essence of a festival of the region currently on in the national capital.

'Purvottari: Spirit of the North-East', a melange of folk music and dances, literary events, theatre and films, besides culinary delights from the eight states, kick-started yesterday and will continue till January 18. The cultural extravaganza is organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

The opening day saw a soiree of music and dance of the region, including Aphilokuwo (war dance by Sumi tribes of Nagaland), Assam's Bihu, Xatriya and Bagurumba dances and the famed Cherow bamboo dance of Mizoram.

According to Kailash Kumar Mishra, northeast coordinator of IGNCA, it is the first time that a festival of this nature is being conducted in the country.

Besides the cultural events, a series of special lectures will be held in which speakers like linguist Gautam Sengupta, filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma and writer Mamang Dai will participate. Seminars are also a part of the festival.

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