London, Oct 9: A novel cultural event and exhibition celebrating the cultural exuberance of the 8 states of Northeast India was organised by the Women of North East Support Network (WNESN) UK, in collaboration with Nehru Centre, London on October 7, 2022.
WNESN was formed in 2020 during the pandemic and is a community-based women’s group interested in personal growth and success in all areas of life.
WNESN spokeswoman, Afifa Fatemi, said, “As a group we aim to support each other and the wider Northeast community of India through showcasing the 8 Northeastern states as unique tourist destinations, as well as promote the diverse arts, culture and heritage of the region on an International platform.”
A cultural extravaganza was put together by WNESN on October 7, 2022, where a packed room was taken on a journey to the magical and mystical land at the foothills of the Himalayas. Performers from each state dazzled the audience with a graceful Bihu dance, Sattriya Nritya dance and melodies from the enchanting state of Assam. A harvest dance and a khasi folktale ‘U Sier Lapalang’ from the land of the clouds – Meghalaya. The Jewel of India – Manipur owned the stage in their traditional attire followed by a classical ‘Krishna dance’. The land of the Mizos – Mizoram melodiously sang ‘Khuangchawi thla’ celebrating the harvest season which coincides with the month of October. Finally, insightful, educational and inspiring presentations were made from Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh among others.
The event was graced by the High Commissioner of India, Vikram Doraiswami, and Deputy Director of Nehru Centre, Sanjay K. Sharma.
In his speech, Vikram Doraiswami said, “This is an opportunity to be acquainted with what is easily one of the most beautiful and least understood parts of a diverse and vast country like India. This is in itself very special. Each state of the Northeast has its own culture, tradition, arts, crafts and indeed its own distinct set of communities. The Northeast is a series of civilizations in one place, and frankly a week is very little to do justice to the region. The Northeast cuisines, languages, the dance forms and their history, each one is unique and worthy of its own study. But far away from Northeast India, to be part of this here in London, is about as good as it will get.”
The Meghalaya community, UK, added , “We are very proud to be part of such a memorable event and be able to showcase the diverse arts, culture and heritage of our state. The 8 states meet is an epitome of unity, solidarity and pride of the sister states. Finally, as the saying goes- home is where the heart is- stands so true with the Meghalayan community in the UK.”
Next, cultural artifacts from the 8 states of Northeast India will be displayed at Nehru Centre, London from October 10-14 to intrigue and whet the curiosities of international audiences in the UK. The Exhibition beckons with the tagline, “Come and be part of the 8 sisters meet and explore our intriguing blend of culture and tradition”.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and welcomes all to witness the amazing work of art by some of the finest artists of the region. This, they say, is a humble attempt to promote the artistic and cultural richness of the North Eastern region of India to an international audience.
