NEZCC Hosts Grand Cultural Festival to Revive Vanishing Folk and Tribal Art Forms

 

Dimapur, July 1: The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, organised the “Vilupt Lok Evam Janajatiya Kala Uthan Mahotsav” at NEZCC Shilpgram, Guwahati, on Wednesday with the objective of preserving, promoting and revitalising India’s rapidly vanishing folk and tribal art traditions.

The programme began with the traditional welcome of distinguished guests and dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and felicitation of guests. Delivering the welcome address, Shri Oliver Temsu Pongen, Deputy Director (Programme) and Officer-in-Charge of NEZCC Shilpgram, highlighted the Centre’s continued efforts to safeguard and promote the rich cultural heritage of the North Eastern Region.

A special felicitation was accorded to Dr. Ashis Kumar Giri, Director of the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata, and Director (Additional Charge), NEZCC, Dimapur. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Giri underlined the urgent need to preserve endangered folk and tribal art forms through systematic documentation, training initiatives and active participation of local communities, ensuring that these invaluable traditions are passed on to future generations.

The cultural segment showcased an impressive array of traditional performances reflecting the region’s rich artistic heritage. Artists from Luit Konwar Rudra Barua State College of Music, Guwahati, led by Shri Atul Bhuyan, presented a captivating performance of Sattriya Nritya. This was followed by the vibrant Jakoiya Nritya (Fishing Dance) of the Saraniya Kachari Tribe, performed by the Saraniya Kachari Sahitya Sabha Cultural Cell under the leadership of Shri Sonbor Baruah.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the presentation of the rare and endangered Deodhani and Suknani Ojapali traditions by the Paramparagat Darrangi Suknanai Ojapali Performing Art Kendra under the guidance of Padma Shri Guru Drona Bhuyan. The audience also witnessed an energetic performance of Cheraw (Bamboo Dance) by the Guwahati Mizo Students’ Union, led by Shri Justin D. Lalnunkima, showcasing the vibrant tribal heritage of Mizoram.

The programme was attended by several eminent cultural personalities, including Padma Shri Guru Drona Bhuyan; Dr. Arup Bordoloi, Project Director, Sangeet Natak Akademi North East Centre, Guwahati; Dr. Pratibha Sharma, Project Director, SNA Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati; Dr. Sapam Ranabir Singh, Regional Director, IGNCA, Guwahati; Guru Ranjumoni Saikia, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee; Guru Anita Sharma, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee; Dr. Mallika Kandali, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee; Dr. Aneshwa Mahanta, noted Sattriya exponent; and Guru Baby Bhuyan, Guru of NEZCC.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from artists, scholars, cultural enthusiasts and members of the public. Through this initiative, NEZCC once again reaffirmed its commitment to preserving, promoting and revitalising the invaluable folk, tribal and vanishing art traditions of the North Eastern Region and the nation, ensuring that these unique cultural expressions continue to flourish for generations to come.