By Karam Roniya
On the sidelines of the recently held Commonwealth Games, an attempt was made to showcase India's rich and diverse cultural heritage to the world by artistes from various parts of northeast region of the country.

At Dilli Haat, a cultural dance show - 'Festival of India - Delhi Celebrates' displayed live performance by 30 Manipuri artistes, presented different Manipuri dances including 'Maibi Laiching Jagoi'. It symbolized the creation of life.

The month-long-festival presented diverse cultures of the country on one platform.

Manipuri martial art form Thang-Ta, Thougal Jagoi, Cheirol Stick dance), Pung Cholom and Basanta Raas captivated the audience full of local residents and tourists.

"We wanted everyone in Delhi to celebrate. Then it occured to us, these are not just the Games for Delhi but they belong very much to all the people of India. So, we thought, why not India also celebrates. We came up with the 37 versions of the logo-'India celebrates', 'Delhi celebrates', 'Manipur celebrates', 'Mizoram celebrates' etc," said Rina Ray, Managing Director of the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Corporation.

In a perfect example of 'unity in diversity' Priti Patel from Gujarat performed to the beat of Manipuri instruments at Sangeet Natak Academi in Delhi.

The act was based on famous Bengali poem "The field of the embroidered quilt".

"It is destiny that has taken me to Manipur. I'm not just involved in the Art, music or dance. But I'm involved with the people, their lives and their stories. I work with artists from the state. They are like my family," said Priti Patel, Director and artiste from Gujarat.

"Priti is promoting Manipuri artistes in Delhi and at other places. She is working with artists from Manipur and appreciates their talent," said Magangsana, a folk instrument musician from Manipur.

Dimapur-based North East Zone Cultural Centre also came forward to organize "Delhi-celebrates", an extravaganza that showcased northeastern dances during the Commonwealth Games.

There was Hozagiri dance from Tripura, Bihu from Assam and the bamboo dance from Mizoram.

Besides showcasing India's diversity, the event also helped bring people of different cultures closer to the each other.

"We are citizens of the same country but are unfamiliar to each other. Through these dance performances, we can bring people closer. No matter we stay at different places, but we have the same cultural heritage and affinity," said Bedana Hajong from Meghalaya.

"We have got a good response from the audience. We are happy and we'll try to perform even better in the future," said Ribimoni Bhuyan, an artiste from Assam.

As sportspersons from the northeastern States were in for a big praise from sports lovers across the country beyond Delhi during the recent Commonwealth Games, the artistes from different parts of the north east region also created a stir among art lovers with their performances.

Be it sports, safety or entertainment - northeast region contributed significantly and made the country proud during the Commonwealth Games which were held recently from Oct.3 to 14 in the national capital.

~ Sinlung.com