The Mega Inter-cultural Festival between North East India and South East Asia highlights what the country's corner shares with Thailand, Bali, Java et al

The Mega Inter-cultural Festival between North East India and South East Asia highlights what the country's corner shares with Thailand, Bali, Java et al

The North East ain't just about momos and music, and certainly not when it teams up with its brothers from the rest of South East Asia. When the vibrant cultural colours of the Indian sisters merge with those of Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and beyond, what emerges is a rainbow ofu00a0 delectable cuisines, enthralling music, colossal exhibitions of art and craft, dance and fashion. A rainbow currently on view in the capital, and christened 'Mega Inter cultural Festival between North East India andu00a0 South East Asia'.

North-south nibbles:u00a0Traditional Thai dance

Playing bridge
Through this festival, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) hopes to celebrate additional facets of diversity, and focuses on inter-cultural and historical affinities between North East India and South East.
The organisers say that the idea is to bridge the gap between the two societies, and rediscover old ties between them. "The unique relationship in cultural-historical experiences of the people of Southeast Asian countries and northeast India has become a subject of genuine importance in the overall drive for cultural, economic, political understanding and unity," elaborates Dr Molli Kaushal, HOD, Janpad Sampada Division, IGNCA. "The IGNCA felt the need to explore new dimensions about the rituals, history, economy et al. It's all about learning and knowing each other," she adds.

Around 200 artistes are taking part in this festival. Other than traditional Thai dance and Indonesian dance depicting scenes from Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, the mask dance of Sikkim and traditional Indonesian Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) are rare treats on display. Participants from the Southeast Asian countries said they were happy about the collaboration. "We are glad to join, because this is a good platform to show people how Sikkim is so different fromu00a0 Meghalaya, and yet so connected. People often seem to get confused. We also have a great opportunity to showcase our culture and learn the cultures of other countries," beams Nyoman Sedana, a dancer from Bali.

Quite a Kitty-full
If you have a fetish for beautiful, conventional craftwork, you mustn't miss the workshop-cum-sale by the master craftsmen. Also, visit the multi-cuisine food court, which is serving a wide array of authentic dishes throughout the event. Art lovers can also catch the screening of documentary films depicting the distinguished cultures and heritage of these states, apart from the symposia. Also, look out for the kaleidoscopic fusion dance workshop put together by artistes from Thailand, Bali and Java on March 20.

Mega Inter-cultural Festival
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
At 3, Rajendra Prasad Road, Near India Gate
When Till March 20
11 am to 9 pm