Motivating youth to preserve Indian heritage
North-East India is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse regions in Asia, each state having its unique culture and traditions. In order to build up a pervasive consciousness of the rich natural and cultural heritage of North-East Region, The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) in collaboration with North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) has organised a cultural festival titled Octave – 2019.
The festival is also a celebration of classical and folk dancers along with artisans from the entire North-East region of India and selected CCRT scholar-artists from Delhi/NCR. Organised under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, the event started on March 26 and will go on until March 29, at CCRT Lawns, Dwarka, New Delhi.
First day saw Sur Sangam – School of Music, Art and Dance presenting Nritya Sangam led by Meghranjani Medhi. The performance started with a Shiva Vandana in Kathak style. It was a unique amalgamation of Kathak and Sattriya Dance and showcased the unique unity and integration embedded in Indian culture. It was followed by rendering of music by renowned band Minute of Decay.
On March 27, which is the second day of the festival, a cultural programme will begin with dance presentations by CCRT scholarship holders Ankita (Odissi), Sreejith (Kathakali), Sudeepto (HM Vocal), Sharanya (Mohiniyattam) and Ritika (HM Vocal) 5:30 pm onwards. Well, known artist Ranju Moni Saikia from Assam will be performing Sattriya Dance at 6.30 pm. This will be followed by Sattriya Dance, Krishna Vandana, a pure tandav number named Gosai Nach, a Slokar Nach set to Ektaal and a lot more.
The cultural programme on the third day will begin with dance presentations by CCRT scholarship holders Yashodhan (HM Vocal), Gokul (Kathakali), Snehali (Odissi), Poorva (HM Vocal) and Shreyasi (Bharatnatyam). Bipul Das Group from Guwahati will be presenting Ardhang at 6.30 pm.
The fourth and fifth day will see dance presentations by CCRT scholarship holders Mangalam (Carnatic Music Vocal), Roshni (Odissi), Anagha (Kathakali) and Anandita (Bharatnatyam). Hemanta Kalita and group from Assam will be presenting Ullas depicting desire of Nayika to meet her Nayak in Varsha Ritu.
A Crafts Fair will be held daily from 11 am onwards. A wide spectrum of crafts including handloom weaving, cane and bamboo works, sholapith, brass and bell metal works, ivory, wood-work, pottery, fiber craft, carpet making, masks, painted wood vessels, jewellery will be showcased. Two-day Hindi workshop 'Aao Milkar Seekhen Hindi' will also be conducted for participating artists to bring them into the mainstream.
