More than 300 young artistes from Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will assemble in the state capital. “The programme was held at the Surajkund Crafts Mela between February 1 to 7 and then we decided to bring this festival to Lucknow,” says Anand Verdhan Shukla, NCZCC director.

“Uttar Pradesh is still untouched by the North Eastern Culture and this festival will certainly give a good glimpse of what those states hold in them,” he says.

The festival will open up with handicrafts fair at UPSNA lawns. “There would be around 10 different stalls, one from each state and some assorted ones, where people can see the handicrafts of the 8 states showcased by some of the finest artists,” says Dr YP Singh programme coordinator.

“In the evening, a play from Tripura would be staged at the Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj auditorium followed by a specially choreographed group performance by 300 artists from 8 states, coming together on a specially erected stage at the SNA front lawns,” adds Singh.

On the second day, Jatra, a play from Assam, would be staged. Evening will see troupes performing according to their states, with dances like Dholar Cholona from Assam, Bihu from Assam, Hogam dance from Arunachal Pradesh,

Si-Ome Dance from Arunachal Pradesh, Solakia dance from Mizoram, Cheraw dance from Mizoram, Thang Ta Martial Art from Manipur, Cheinol Jagoi from Manipur, Lai Haraoba Dance from Manipur, Basanta Raas from Manipur, Gaan Ngai from Nagaland and Ghantu Dance from Sikkim will be performed on an open air stage.

On the concluding day, Kavi Sammelan bringing 8 poets from 8 states will be held. Eminent Hindi poet Ashok Chakradhar will not just be the anchor, but will also be translating these poems into Hindi. At 4.30 p.m., a Play from Manipur, titled Richshaw Amar Sang, will be staged at the auditorium of the Paryatan Bhawan.